Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

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

1. Preheat oven – Set to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the meatballs – In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Bake the meatballs – Place meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked.
4. Prepare the sauce – In a pan over medium heat, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
5. Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
6. Coat the meatballs – Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss until well coated.
7. 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!

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