Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or served as an appetizer, these meatballs are versatile and easy to make. Lean ground turkey offers a lighter option compared to beef, making these meatballs a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor. Paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this recipe is a winner for any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Lean: Turkey is a lighter protein option with less fat than beef or pork.
2. Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic sauce is sweet, tangy, and has just the right amount of garlic for an extra kick.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for a fast, fuss-free meal.
4. Versatile: Serve as a main dish, over pasta or rice, or as bite-sized appetizers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion (or onion powder), garlic (or garlic powder), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix Well: Use your hands or a spatula to gently combine the ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate as you go. This recipe should make about 20-25 meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a Large Skillet: Add a splash of oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Sear the Meatballs: Let the meatballs cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them carefully with tongs or a spatula until they’re golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Transfer and Set Aside: Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic for the sauce and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring well to combine. Add the apple cider vinegar and water, whisking to mix the ingredients.
3. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Add this cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

1. Add Meatballs Back to the Skillet: Carefully place the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Coat the Meatballs: Gently stir to coat each meatball in the honey garlic sauce.
3. Simmer to Finish Cooking: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes until they’re fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is glossy and thickened.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the meatballs for a fresh, colorful touch.
2. Serve: Serve the honey garlic turkey meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables. Alternatively, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks!

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

• Use Cold Turkey: Working with cold ground turkey makes it easier to form the meatballs.
• Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly. For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of garlic.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Asian-Inspired Twist: Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger and 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the sauce for a hint of Asian flavor.
3. Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the meatballs low-carb and keto-friendly.
4. Baked Version: Instead of pan-frying, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes before adding to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice: Serve the meatballs with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a side of stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete meal.
• In a Sandwich: Place the meatballs in a sub roll with shredded lettuce and extra sauce for a delicious meatball sandwich.
• Over Zoodles: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Storing and Reheating

1. Storing: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these meatballs with ground chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken works well and can be used as a direct substitute for turkey.

2. Can I use pre-made meatballs?
If you’re in a hurry, pre-made turkey or chicken meatballs can be used. Just prepare the sauce as directed and toss the pre-cooked meatballs in the sauce.

3. What if my sauce isn’t thick enough?
If the sauce doesn’t thicken, simmer it a little longer. You can also add a bit more cornstarch slurry (1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water).

4. Can I make the sauce gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For the breadcrumbs, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

5. What’s the best way to keep meatballs tender?
Adding breadcrumbs and an egg helps retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the meat, as it can make the meatballs dense.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, ideal for busy weeknights or as a party appetizer. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation, this recipe brings together lean protein and bold flavors, delivering a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, these turkey meatballs are a must-try for your recipe collection. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or served as an appetizer, these meatballs are versatile and easy to make. Lean ground turkey offers a lighter option compared to beef, making these meatballs a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor. Paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this recipe is a winner for any meal!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 large egg
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatballs In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Form the Meatballs Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.
5. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional) If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
7. Coat the Meatballs Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat them thoroughly.
8. Serve and Garnish Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. These meatballs go great over rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried veggies.

Notes

Enjoy your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs!