Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
If you’re searching for a flavorful, sweet-and-savory dinner that’s a hit every single time, look no further than these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs. Juicy, oven-baked turkey meatballs get tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce, making them utterly irresistible for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prepping ahead. Each bite is bursting with garlicky goodness, a gentle tang from rice vinegar, and the craveable sweetness of honey. Whether you serve them over fluffy rice or just grab a toothpick and pop one straight from the tray, these delectable meatballs are about to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how every simple ingredient counts—there are no fillers here, just pantry and fridge staples that work together to deliver big flavor and perfect texture. Each item brings something unique to the table, contributing to the moistness, savoriness, or gorgeous final finish of your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs.
- Ground turkey: Lean but packed with protein, turkey gives these meatballs a lighter bite while staying wonderfully juicy.
- Breadcrumbs: Acts as the binding magic that keeps each meatball tender rather than tough.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle savory depth and helps with that golden brown crust in the oven.
- Egg: The essential binder that holds everything together—no crumbly meatballs here!
- Fresh garlic (for the meatballs and sauce): Doubled up for double the flavor; it infuses both the meat and sauce with irresistible aroma and zing.
- Green onions: Finely chopped for color and a fresh, delicate oniony lift.
- Soy sauce (in meatballs and sauce): Lends umami and balances the sweetness of the honey in the glaze.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but powerful for boosting overall flavor.
- Honey: The star of the show, creating a thick, sticky, sweet coating that makes these meatballs so craveable.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bit of tang that keeps the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce until it luxuriously clings to each meatball.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a little crunch and visual flair.
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a bright, herby finish right before serving.
How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, green onions, teaspoon of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this keeps your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs extra tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs. Roll them lightly between your hands to form even shapes, then arrange them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are beautifully golden and fully cooked. They should register 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer if you’re checking for doneness.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up that rich, sticky glaze. Set a small saucepan over medium heat and add the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together as it gently comes to a simmer, ultimately marrying the sweet and savory elements.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the mixture is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry (that’s just your cornstarch whisked with a bit of water). Keep whisking for about two minutes, watching as the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick glaze that’s ready to lovingly coat your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
When your meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them gently into a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce on top and toss or stir to thoroughly coat each one. Arrange them on a serving platter, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley for that picture-perfect look and an extra spark of flavor.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Garnishes
The secret to extra-special Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs is in the finishing touches. After tossing in the sauce, shower them with sesame seeds for pop and crunch. Scatter chopped parsley (or even cilantro if you prefer) for a fresh, herbal highlight. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a fun addition without overpowering the honey garlic flavor.
Side Dishes
For a simple, satisfying meal, serve your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, letting the sauce soak into every grain. They’re also fantastic atop rice noodles or tender soba, and a side of crisp, stir-fried veggies balances out the sweetness. For a lighter take, try spooning them over cauliflower rice or a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
These meatballs aren’t just a dinner win—they’re perfect party food too! Stick them with toothpicks and line them up on a platter for easy appetizers. You can even stuff them into soft slider buns with a bit of slaw for mini sandwiches, or tuck them into lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb twist. Let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Transfer them (with any extra sauce!) to an airtight container once cooled, and they’ll be just as delicious tucked into lunches as they were fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, these meatballs are totally freezer-friendly. After fully cooking and cooling, arrange the meatballs (with or without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave them in bursts, loosely covered, stirring once or twice for even coverage—you’ll have juicy, saucy meatballs in no time.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your soy sauce is certified gluten-free (or substitute tamari). The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, so you can enjoy every bite worry-free.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works very well in this recipe and gives similar juicy, tender results. Just make sure not to overmix or overbake, as lean meats like turkey and chicken can dry out if overcooked.
What’s the best way to get perfectly round meatballs?
The trick is to use damp hands or a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll gently and briefly—the heat from your hands helps the meat blend smoothly without sticking, keeping your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs uniform in size.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Definitely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free version. The meatballs will still be deliciously moist thanks to the egg, breadcrumbs, and juicy ground turkey.
Can I make the sauce spicy?
If you love a little heat, a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the sauce turns these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs into a sweet-and-spicy treat. Adjust to taste—it’s all about what makes your palate happy!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them. They’re fast, family-friendly, and so delicious you’ll want to sneak one straight from the pan. Give them a go—you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Juicy turkey meatballs are baked to perfection and then coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a main course or as a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Coat the meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the honey garlic sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and parsley before serving.
Notes
- These meatballs are versatile and can be served over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
