Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg To make honey garlic turkey meatballs, start with ground turkey. It is lean and moist, perfect for meatballs. Next, add breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty flavor and richness. Lastly, one large egg helps hold everything together. - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar For the sauce, honey is the star. It brings sweetness and a nice glaze. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Rice vinegar gives a touch of acidity, balancing the sweet flavors. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Seasoning is key for flavor. Use fresh minced garlic for a bold taste. Chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors without overpowering them. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the meatballs cook quickly and brown nicely. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. You will need 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1 large egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Don't forget the seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Once mixed, use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly on the lined baking sheet. Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check for doneness, a meat thermometer can help. If you don’t have one, cut a meatball in half to ensure it is cooked through. Once done, take the meatballs out of the oven and get ready to coat them in the honey garlic sauce. To make great meatballs, you must avoid overmixing the meat. When you mix too much, the meatballs can become tough. I suggest mixing until you just combine the ingredients. Next, shape your meatballs into about 1-inch balls. This size cooks evenly and ensures they stay juicy. If they are too big, they may not cook through. If they are too small, they can dry out. For the honey garlic sauce, aim for the right thickness. If it is too thin, it may not cling well to the meatballs. To thicken it, mix cornstarch with a bit of water. Then, add it to the sauce and cook for a few more minutes. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. The balance between sweet and savory makes this sauce special. Taste as you go to find what you like best. Garnishing your meatballs adds a nice touch. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top. This adds color and freshness to the dish. When serving, place the meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle some extra sauce over them for a beautiful look. You can also serve them with rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing fat content. This will help them stay tender and flavorful. Chill Before Baking: After forming the meatballs, refrigerate them for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey in the sauce based on your personal preference for sweetness. You can also add a splash of sriracha for heat! Garnish for Flavor: Finish your dish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and a nice presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Ground chicken or beef works well too. If you want a meatless option, try using lentils or chickpeas. For breadcrumbs, use gluten-free options like crushed rice or oats. You can also blend some nuts for a unique texture. This keeps your meal tasty and suitable for those with gluten allergies. Adding herbs and spices can change the flavor. Try basil, thyme, or even a bit of cumin for a twist. You can also use fresh ginger for a zesty kick. If you want to modify the sauce, consider using maple syrup instead of honey. You can add chili paste for heat or swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. This keeps your dish exciting every time you make it. Air frying gives you crispy meatballs without much oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15 minutes. This method saves time and adds crunch. If you prefer stovetop cooking, simmer the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking. Just brown them in a pan, then add the sauce. Let them cook for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them very tender and flavorful. To keep your honey garlic turkey meatballs fresh, store them right. First, let them cool down. Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers. This helps to lock in flavors. In the fridge, they last for about three to four days. Label your container with the date for easy tracking. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have options. For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. If you prefer a crispy texture, go for the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes. If you want to store meatballs longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This helps them keep their shape. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, place the meatballs in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw them in the microwave on the defrost setting. Honey garlic turkey meatballs can last in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. If you notice any strange smell or color, it's best to throw them out. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying your leftovers. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time! To prep, form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. You can store them this way for up to two days. Just remember to bake them before serving. This tip helps save time on busy nights. You have many great options for sides! Some popular choices include: - Steamed broccoli - White rice or brown rice - Noodles tossed in sesame oil - A fresh garden salad - Mashed potatoes These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also help balance the sweet and savory taste of the meatballs. In this guide, we explored a delicious recipe for honey garlic turkey meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, including ground turkey and a blend of spices. I shared step-by-step baking instructions and tips for perfect meatballs. You also learned about variations, storage methods, and thoughtful serving suggestions. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. Make these meatballs your own and enjoy!$

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening sauce)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
Serve immediately, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Optional cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce.

Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, turkey