Name: Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat); 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup finely diced onion; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor); 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce); Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with flavor! The Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe is one of those magical dishes that blends sweet, savory, and sticky together in every bite. Tender turkey meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a shiny honey garlic glaze that you’ll want to spoon over rice, noodles, or even straight into your mouth. This recipe is always a hit at get-togethers and weeknight dinners alike—it’s easy to prepare, loads up on flavor, and adds cheerful color to your table.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create a dish this irresistibly memorable. Each one brings a burst of flavor, ensures the perfect juicy texture, or finishes the meatballs with a dash of color and crunch.

Ground turkey: Lean and tender, it’s the base for juicy meatballs without the heaviness of other meat options.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs for a soft texture—whole wheat or regular both work beautifully.
Egg: Acts as a glue, keeping everything together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
Garlic: Used both in the meatballs and the sauce, it infuses bold, aromatic flavor throughout.
Onion: Adds sweet, subtle depth and moisture to the meatballs.
Paprika: Offers a warm color and gentle hint of earthy spice.
Salt: Makes all the other flavors pop—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Just enough for a touch of sharpness in every bite.
Honey: Delivers the sweetness that gives the sauce its sticky, glossy finish.
Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami, balancing the honey perfectly.
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the entire dish.
Sesame oil (optional): If you love that toasty, nutty aroma, this ingredient is a must-add.
Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce until it’s just right for clinging to every meatball.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): For garnish—adding eye-catching contrast and a fresh finish to your platter.

How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start things off right by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Having everything prepped ahead will make assembling the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

In a roomy mixing bowl, gently combine your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You want everything mixed and distributed evenly, but don’t overdo it—overmixing leads to dense, tough meatballs. The mixture should still look fluffy and just barely come together.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mix into meatballs, each about 1.5 inches across. Uniform size means even cooking! Set each meatball onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced about an inch apart so they brown up nicely.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden, sizzling, and cooked through. If you want to be precise, the internal temperature should hit 165°F for juicy but safe results. While they bake, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Cook the Honey Garlic Sauce

While your turkey meatballs finish in the oven, make the magical glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil if using. Gently heat until it starts to simmer, then slowly stir in the cornstarch-water mix. Keep stirring for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns beautifully glossy. Remove from the heat to keep it from over-thickening.

Step 6: Coat the Meatballs

Once your meatballs are baked and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the top and toss gently till every piece is shiny, sticky, and irresistible. The sauce clings to each meatball, creating the signature wow factor of this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Arrange your saucy meatballs on a plate or platter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onion for a burst of color and extra flavor. These little touches bring freshness and crunch that take this dish over the top!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of thinly sliced green onions are classic choices—they add both flavor and stunning visual appeal. If you want a little extra zing or a bit of heat, scatter a few red chili flakes on top. Don’t be afraid to get creative with a lemon or lime wedge on the side to add brightness!

Side Dishes

The Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe shines alongside fluffy steamed rice that soaks up all the wonderful sauce. For a lighter option, serve over sautéed veggies or crisp lettuce cups. Noodles, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these meatballs into sliders with soft dinner rolls, or skewer them for playful party appetizers. Toss them with stir-fried veggies for a complete bowl, or layer over a bed of Asian-style slaw for extra crunch. The sticky glaze makes them just as delicious chilled, so try a bento box lunch with sliced cukes and snap peas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge, and you’ll love having a quick lunch or snack ready to go!

Freezing

These meatballs are freezer-friendly! Let them cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Freeze with the sauce or without; if freezing separately, pack sauce in a small container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring until warmed through and the sauce is bubbly again. A microwave works in a pinch—just use short bursts and cover loosely to retain moisture. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and yields equally juicy, flavorful meatballs. Just follow the same directions for perfect results.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

Crushed gluten-free crackers, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even quick oats work well. Make sure the texture is similar, so your meatballs hold together.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add a squeeze of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the heat to your liking!

Can I cook the meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, you can pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through, turning often to prevent burning. Baking is a bit easier and less hands-on, but both methods work deliciously.

Can I double this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just ensure you have enough room on your baking sheets and saucepan for everything. This recipe scales up without a hitch and is ideal for meal prep or parties.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast, whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping it all to yourself (we won’t judge). Give it a try and enjoy every sweet, garlicky bite!

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a savory and sweet delight, perfect for a cozy dinner or party appetizer. Tender turkey meatballs coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, are a flavorful treat that’s sure to please.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and optional sesame oil. Simmer, then thicken with cornstarch mixture.
Coat Meatballs: Toss baked meatballs in the honey garlic sauce until coated.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

You can customize the sauce by adjusting the sweetness or adding heat with chili flakes.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers or pineapple to the meatball mixture for added flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking, Simmering
Cuisine: Asian-inspired