Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs offer a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option featuring tender turkey meatballs coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory Asian-inspired glaze. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, this recipe is kid-friendly, versatile, and easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approximately 18-20 meatballs) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

To Finish & Garnish

  • Oil for cooking (vegetable or sesame oil)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Thinly sliced red chili peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and an egg to bind everything together. Mix thoroughly but gently to keep the meatballs tender once cooked.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This uniform size ensures they cook evenly and look great on the plate.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides and cooked through, roughly 10 minutes.
  4. Make the Glaze: While the meatballs cook, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the mixture thickens slightly into a glossy glaze.
  5. Glaze and Simmer: Once the meatballs are done, pour the glaze over them in the skillet. Toss to coat well, letting them simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to soak up all that amazing flavor.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and thinly sliced red chili peppers if desired. Serve over jasmine rice, noodles, or as appetizers on skewers or lettuce wraps.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling on top for added crunch and aroma.
  • Test cook one meatball to adjust seasoning or texture if needed.
  • Keep glaze warm when coating meatballs for proper absorption and shine.
  • To make gluten-free, swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari.
  • Meatballs can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Leftover meatballs store well for 3 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet with extra glaze or in the microwave covered to retain moisture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying or Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: turkey meatballs, Asian glazed meatballs, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, kid-friendly, savory glaze, weeknight meal