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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dish featuring lean ground turkey mixed with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, cooked to a golden brown and coated with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, they deliver a balanced taste that pleases all ages and dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, chopped green onions, and herbs if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform in size ensures even cooking.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until fully cooked and browned.
  4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and water. Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and generously coat the meatballs.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are well-glazed, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients until just combined to avoid dense or tough meatballs.
  • Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for evenly sized meatballs to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Test One First: Cook a single meatball initially to adjust seasoning as needed before cooking the full batch.
  • Use Medium Heat: Prevent burning the outside by cooking meatballs on medium heat, allowing even doneness.
  • Let Rest: Allow cooked meatballs to rest a few minutes to redistribute juices and keep them moist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
  • Spicy Variation: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
  • Cheese-Stuffed: Insert small mozzarella cubes inside meatballs for a gooey center.
  • Reduce Sweetness: Cut down honey or add lemon juice/vinegar to balance sweetness in the sauce.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container; freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in skillet with water or sauce, or microwave covered with damp towel 1-2 minutes.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying or Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: honey garlic turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, turkey recipe, gluten free meatballs, easy dinner, meal prep, family-friendly meatballs