Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs: A Comforting Delight for Every Table
There’s a certain magic that happens when the scents of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil fill your kitchen. It conjures up memories of cozy evenings spent with family, laughing over delicious meals that made coming home feel like a warm embrace. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs. These tender, flavorful bites are not just a feast for the senses, but they’re also perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings.
The rich, glossy glaze envelopes the meatballs, offering that satisfying umami flavor we all crave. And the best part? You can whip them up in no time, making dinner a breeze even on the busiest of nights. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and effortless: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delightful without the fuss.
- Family-friendly: Delicious meatballs that erupt with flavor, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Glazed to perfection: The sticky, savory sauce adds that essential touch of magic, ensuring every bite is a treat.
- Versatile serving options: Serve over fluffy rice or chewy noodles to capture every drop of that delicious glaze.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch to enjoy later on those days when cooking feels like too much work.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs:
- 2 lbs. ground turkey
- 2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs, plain
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tbsp. honey
- 1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
How to Make Asian Glazed Meatballs
Let’s create a dinner that everyone will love, one cozy step at a time:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sesame oil, dry bread crumbs, ground ginger, beaten eggs, and minced garlic. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, feeling that comforting blend come together.
- Shape the turkey mixture into 1 1/2" balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, imagining the deliciousness that awaits.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce in a skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and place them in the skillet with the sauce. Coat the meatballs well, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve over warm rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to explore your creative side with these variations:
- Zesty citrus: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a bright, refreshing note that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Sweet and spicy: Include a touch more sriracha or some crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick you crave.
- Umami overload: Mix in finely chopped water chestnuts for added texture or mushrooms for that deep richer flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Top with chopped cilantro or mint instead of green onions for a fresh, herbal twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven for an easy dinner.
- Ingredient swaps: Try using ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a different, yet delightful taste.
- Leftovers love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or skillet!
- Sneaky veggies: Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for added nutrition and moisture.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s what you can expect in each savory serving of these delightful meatballs:
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and freeze them before baking. They’re perfect for busy nights!
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices. Ground turkey can be substituted with chicken, or even plant-based options.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious reheated!
How long does it last?
When stored properly, these meatballs can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Wrapping It Up
These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re a dish that brings comfort and joy to your table, reminding you of the warmth of shared moments. As you savor each bite, let the wonderful flavors transport you to happy memories, whether that’s a bustling kitchen with family or a cozy night in. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, dear friends!
Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs, plain
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 pcs eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp minced garlic
For the Glaze
- 2/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sesame oil, dry bread crumbs, ground ginger, beaten eggs, and minced garlic. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the turkey mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce in a skillet. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the skillet with the glaze. Coat the meatballs well.
Serving
- Serve over warm rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
