These Baked Asian Turkey Meatballs are the perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making them a versatile option for an appetizer or main course. Lean ground turkey is mixed with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for a flavorful and moist meatball. Finished with a sticky Asian-inspired glaze, these meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a light cucumber salad. Best of all, they’re baked, making them healthier and easier to prepare without sacrificing any flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Make the Glaze: While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with 1 tsp water to create a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are baked, toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Alternatively, you can brush the glaze onto the meatballs for a lighter coating.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Enjoy your flavorful Baked Asian Turkey Meatballs!
