Name: Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (you could also use ground chicken, pork or beef); 1/3 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger); 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 green onions (sliced); 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup beef broth (or water); 1/4 cup honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional depending if you like a little heat); 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 Tbsp water; Extra green onions (sliced); Sesame seeds

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Let me tell you about an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s become a staple in my kitchen: the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs bring together juicy, tender turkey perfectly blended with fresh aromatics and coated with a luscious, sticky sauce that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe is a fun and flavorful way to bring a little vibrant Asian flair to your dinner table. It’s quick, easy, and truly delicious—a perfect weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white bowl, there is a mix of ingredients layered with raw ground meat on top, showing a soft pink and light red color with a stringy texture. To the left of the meat, a raw egg with a bright yellow yolk and clear egg white sits in the bowl. Around the meat and egg, finely chopped green onions with small, fresh green and white pieces are placed on the right side. Near the bottom are small piles of white salt, black pepper with a grainy look, minced or grated white garlic, light brown ground spices, and a white powder that could be breadcrumbs, all resting side by side on the bowl’s bottom. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this flavorful dish. Each component plays a specific role, from adding texture to enhancing the rich Asian-inspired glaze, so let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

1 lb ground turkey: The lean base providing tender and juicy meatballs with lighter flavor compared to beef or pork.
1/3 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Adds structure and a light crunch without weighing down the meatballs.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep those meatballs perfectly intact during baking.
1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Injects a deep umami flavor straight into the turkey mix.
1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger): Brings a bright, zesty warmth that lifts the dish.
1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a classic punch of aromatic savoriness.
2 green onions (sliced): Infuses freshness and a slight sharpness to the meatballs.
For the glaze: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup beef broth (or water), 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger), 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional spice: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes to add a little kick if you like heat.
1/2 Tbsp cornstarch + 1/2 Tbsp water (for slurry): Used to thicken the glaze for that irresistible sticky finish.
Garnishes: Extra green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch on top.

How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Mix the Meatballs

First up, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking those meatballs to perfection. In a large bowl, gently mix together ground turkey, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. This blend combines moisture, flavor, and structure, ensuring your meatballs stay tender but form nicely. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs—aim for 25 to 26 pieces—and arrange them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Slip the tray into the oven and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. What you want are lightly browned, fully cooked meatballs that remain juicy inside. This baking method is quick and mess-free and locks in all that moisture, keeping the turkey from drying out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Glaze

While your meatballs are baking, it’s time to create that signature Asian glaze that makes this recipe truly special. Combine soy sauce, honey, beef broth (or water), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavor, creating a sticky and aromatic glaze that you won’t be able to resist.

Step 4: Thicken and Spice It Up

If the sauce seems a bit runny, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. This will give you a nice, shiny glaze that clings to every meatball. Add crushed red chili flakes here if you want to kick up the heat just a notch and let the flavors meld before turning the heat off.

Step 5: Coat and Serve the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them carefully to a large bowl or use the baking sheet. Pour the luscious glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat each one in that sticky, tangy sauce. This step turns simple turkey meatballs into a caramelized treat with bold Asian flavors layered throughout.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl filled with many small round meatballs covered in a shiny dark brown sauce, scattered small white sesame seeds are on top, and thin green onion slices are sprinkled over the meatballs; the meatballs appear glossy and slightly textured, floating in the thick sauce that pools at the bottom of the bowl, all resting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing finishes this dish like a sprinkle of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add pops of freshness and a pleasant crunch that perfectly complements the tender, juicy meatballs loaded with rich glaze.

Side Dishes

I love serving these meatballs over fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal, but jasmine rice or cauliflower rice also work beautifully. You could also pair them with steamed or sautéed veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli to boost the freshness and add a bit of green to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like switching things up? These Asian glazed turkey meatballs make a fantastic appetizer when skewered with bamboo sticks for parties. Alternatively, try serving them in lettuce cups or even atop a noodle bowl for a delicious twist that’s sure to wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No worries. Store any uneaten meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the glaze separate and tossing it again just before serving helps maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for quick, busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your meatballs in a pan over medium-low heat with fresh sauce stirred in to revitalize that sticky glaze. Alternatively, microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for a minute or two, but stovetop reheating helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or beef are all great alternatives. Just remember that turkey is leaner, so if you use beef or pork, your meatballs might be richer and fattier.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

No problem. Ground ginger works just fine—use about a quarter to half of the amount called for in fresh ginger, as it’s more concentrated. It still adds that lovely ginger bite to your meatballs and glaze.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is completely up to you! The crushed red chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted from none to a half teaspoon depending on your preference for spice.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko provides a lighter, airier texture which helps keep the meatballs from feeling too dense.

Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Definitely! Baking is an easy, less messy option that still results in perfectly cooked, juicy meatballs. It’s what this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe calls for and it works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something tasty, easy, and a little bit special. The combination of juicy turkey, fresh aromatics, and that sticky, sweet-savory glaze is just irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this recipe again and again to share with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the satisfying flavors of this wonderful dish!