Easy Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe That’s Family-Approved

Juicy turkey meatballs brimming with sweet honey garlic flavors promise a delightful dinner adventure.

Aromas of herbs and savory spices will dance through your kitchen.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Lean protein meets bold seasonings for a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with these incredibly tender morsels.

Succulent and packed with robust flavor, these meatballs turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next gathering.

Dive into a culinary experience that satisfies every craving.

What Makes Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Irresistible

• Perfectly crafted in under 30 minutes, this honey garlic turkey meatballs recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Kids and adults will love the sweet-savory combination, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone's taste buds without complicated preparation.
• Lean ground turkey provides high protein content while keeping calorie count low, offering a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Serve over rice, noodles, or with a side salad, this adaptable recipe works for casual dinners, meal prep, and even potential party appetizers with simple garnish adjustments.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Shopping List

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein perfect for light and healthy meatballs, select fresh ground turkey with moderate fat content.
• Egg: Helps bind meatball ingredients together, providing structure and moisture.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates texture and helps hold meatballs together, plain or seasoned varieties work well.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and aromatic depth to the meatballs.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion taste and a subtle green color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complements other seasonings.
• Onion Powder: Provides concentrated onion flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers subtle smoky undertone to the meatballs.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and helps season the meat mixture.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Vinegar, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze for the meatballs.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and creates a glossy finish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking meatballs, ensures even browning and prevents sticking.

Cooking Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Made Simple

Step 1: Blend Meatball Mixture

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped green onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Soy sauce

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Morsels

Roll mixture into uniform 1-inch round meatballs, creating approximately 16-18 pieces.

Step 3: Sear Golden Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, rotating occasionally, until evenly browned and completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Craft Delectable Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Vinegar
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze Meatballs

Return meatballs to skillet, gently tossing to coat completely with sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate meatballs over rice or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips to Perfect Your Turkey Meatballs with Honey Garlic

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Add a splash of milk or water to the ground turkey mixture to keep meatballs moist and tender during cooking.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Grate fresh garlic and ginger instead of using pre-minced versions for a more vibrant and authentic taste profile.
• Skip Gluten Easily: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing for desired kick.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to meatballs.

Keeping Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Fresh and Tasty

• Transfer leftover meatballs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm meatballs at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through and sauce is hot.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

• A crisp, slightly sweet Riesling complements the honey garlic sauce's bold flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's subtle spiciness.
• Serve meatballs over jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural and flavor foundation for the protein.
• Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh herbs to add refreshing contrast and textural crunch against the tender meatballs.
• Quickly stir-fry edamame with sesame seeds and a touch of salt to create a protein-packed, green vegetable side that echoes the dish's Asian-inspired profile.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a completely gluten-free option.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Chicken Swap Option: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar flavor profile and protein-rich alternative.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or crumbled extra-firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for added depth of flavor.

Questions About Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Answered

• Are honey garlic turkey meatballs healthy?

These meatballs are a healthier protein option compared to beef, with lean ground turkey providing lower fat content and high protein. The recipe includes nutritious ingredients like green onions and uses minimal oil during cooking.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming dry?

Use fresh ground turkey with some fat content, avoid overmixing the meat, and don’t overcook. The honey garlic sauce also helps keep the meatballs moist and adds extra flavor during the final coating step.

• What can replace cornstarch if I don't have it?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder, potato starch, or all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Use an equal amount of your chosen alternative to create the slurry for the same thickening effect.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic turkey meatballs dance with sweet and savory notes, promising a delightful culinary journey through tender meat and rich flavors. Comfort meets elegance on your plate, inviting hungry diners to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked rice or noodles
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently form the mixture into uniform spherical meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter, which should yield around 16-18 total.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
4. Carefully place meatballs into the heated skillet, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough internal cooking, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
5. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and preventing overcooking.
6. Using the same skillet, introduce honey, additional soy sauce, crushed garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
7. Allow the sauce components to gently simmer and meld together for approximately 2 minutes.
8. Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches a desirable thickness.
10. Return meatballs to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the rich, flavorful sauce.
11. Plate the glazed meatballs over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh green onion slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Boost lean protein intake by using ground turkey instead of higher-fat meats, creating a healthier alternative for health-conscious diners.
• Enhance moisture by avoiding overmixing the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense during preparation.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing flexibility for different spice tolerances while maintaining the recipe’s signature flavor profile.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for individuals with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg