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Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
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These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are juicy, tender, and coated in a sweet and savory glaze inspired by Asian flavors. Perfect as appetizers, main dishes, or party finger foods, they balance healthy lean protein with an irresistible glaze that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: finely chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped white parts of green onions, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly without overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cooking and cleanup.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of sesame oil and brown the meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes, turning carefully to avoid breaking. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  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. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let thicken slightly for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Glaze the Meatballs: Add the cooked meatballs into the glaze pan and gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Let them simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply.
  6. Serve Warm: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optionally chopped cilantro and lime wedges for brightness.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender and juicy.
  • Use a scoop to form meatballs of uniform size for even cooking.
  • Reserve some glaze for dipping or drizzling when serving.
  • Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking before glazing to retain moisture.
  • Baking is a healthier, hands-off alternative to pan-frying that still yields great results.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for authentic and vibrant flavors.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce with tamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, Asian glaze, healthy meatballs, easy appetizers, gluten-free meatballs, weeknight dinner, party food

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/asian-glazed-turkey-meatballs/