Short Description
Honey garlic turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and savory garlic-infused sauce. Made with lean ground turkey, these healthy meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or as an appetizer for any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and lean – Made with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Sweet and savory sauce – The perfect balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- Ground turkey
- Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- Egg
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (grated or finely chopped)
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey
- Soy sauce (low sodium)
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven – Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the meatballs – In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs – Place meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Prepare the sauce – In a pan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Coat the meatballs – Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Low-carb/keto – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and a sugar-free sweetener.
- Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Air fryer method – Cook meatballs at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
- Extra veggies – Add shredded carrots or zucchini to the meatball mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in sauce.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well.
How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?
Add moisture with grated onion and avoid overcooking.
Can I make these meatballs without an oven?
Yes! Pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
Rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes, but turkey makes the dish lighter and leaner.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized meatballs?
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture.
How do I make them dairy-free?
These are naturally dairy-free, just check your breadcrumbs.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Honey garlic turkey meatballs are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served over rice, in a meal prep bowl, or as an appetizer, these flavorful meatballs are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a sweet and savory meal!
Print
Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are juicy, tender, and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a main dish over rice or as a party appetizer, this easy recipe is both healthy and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and soy sauce until combined.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 16-18 meatballs).
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes, until thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Return meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add ½ tsp Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.