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

If you’re searching for a quick, wholesome weeknight meal that feels like a little celebration on your plate, you’re in for a treat with this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe. Juicy turkey meatballs get baked until golden, then bathed in a sticky-sweet and savory sauce that’s absolutely addictive. This dish manages to be comforting, family-friendly, and just special enough for sharing with friends. Whether served as an appetizer, tossed over rice, or nestled into a Buddha bowl, the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe is stunningly simple yet sure to impress.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to make this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial part, either boosting flavor, giving the meatballs their tender bite, or lending that signature glossy sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to skip a thing!

Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, turkey creates juicy meatballs without being heavy.
Breadcrumbs: A gentle binder that keeps each bite irresistibly tender; use whole wheat for a healthy boost.
Egg: Essential for binding everything together so your meatballs hold their shape.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic goes into both the meatballs and the sauce for double the flavor punch.
Onion: Finely diced onion brings sweetness and juiciness to every bite.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a lovely blush of color.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper: Just enough to offer a bit of earthy spice.
Honey: The base of the luscious glaze—sweet and sticky in the best way.
Soy Sauce: Adds deep savory notes and balances the honey’s sweetness; low-sodium works great!
Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar): Lends brightness to offset the sauce’s richness.
Sesame Oil (optional): For a hint of nutty, toasty oomph in the sauce.
Cornstarch & Water: Mix these together to give the sauce its wonderfully glossy, clingy finish.
Sesame Seeds & Chopped Green Onions (for garnish): These optional toppers add crunch, color, and a fresh finish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

To start, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This keeps the meatballs from sticking and ensures easy cleanup—always a win when you’re hungry and ready to dig in!

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a quick mix—just enough so it comes together. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so stop as soon as it looks uniform. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to help them brown evenly.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for meatballs that are golden brown and cooked all the way through; the internal temperature should read 165°F. Baking keeps them juicy and lets you skip any messy frying.

Step 4: Cook the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show—the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil if you like. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, letting those aromatics infuse and the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

When the sauce is simmering, stir in your cornstarch mixed with water. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy, perfect for coating every last meatball. Take it off the heat once it’s reached that irresistible, syrupy consistency.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

With your meatballs out of the oven, transfer them into a big bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over top and gently toss until every meatball is bathed in that gorgeous glaze. The aroma alone will have you sneaking a taste before the dish even hits the table. Serve hot, with a shower of sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! A sprinkling of sesame seeds and a handful of vibrant green onions bring the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe to life. Not only do they add a little crunch and freshness, but they also make the dish look irresistible for sharing or snapping a quick photo.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are begging for a cozy partner. Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce, or tuck them alongside noodles or fluffy quinoa for something special. Want some veggies? Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad are lovely, crisp contrasts to the sticky-sweet meatballs.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, try threading each meatball onto skewers for easy party snacks, or tuck them into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dinner. For something hearty, pile them onto a toasted sub roll with a bit of sauce and extra herbs—the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe is as versatile as you like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe, you’re in luck—they store beautifully. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making them a great choice for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container (sauce and all, or separate if you prefer). They’ll be good for two to three months—simply thaw and reheat for an instant, homemade dinner.

Reheating

To revive leftover meatballs, warm them gently on the stove in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works too; heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. This helps the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe stay juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly here and will yield similarly tender results. Just be sure to choose ground chicken with some fat for best flavor and texture.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

To make the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is labeled gluten-free or opt for tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time?

Yes—in fact, both can be made a day or two ahead! Store them separately and toss together right before serving to keep the meatballs at their juiciest and the sauce at its glossiest.

Is it okay to skip the sesame oil?

Sesame oil is optional but adds a delightful depth to the sauce. If you don’t have any, your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe will still be absolutely delicious thanks to the garlic, soy, and honey combo.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?

This recipe is designed for oven baking, which keeps the meatballs tender and lets you skip the fuss (and extra oil) of frying. You’ll love the golden finish and how easy cleanup is!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s simple, nourishing, and downright crowd-pleasing, the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds—give it a try, and this just might become your new go-to favorite.

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Tender turkey meatballs are baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the 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 the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. Thicken with cornstarch mixture.
Coat the Meatballs: Toss the baked meatballs in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasoning of the meatballs to suit your taste preferences.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired