There is something truly irresistible about the perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes the Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe a standout in home cooking. These meatballs are delightfully tender, packed with fresh ginger and garlic flavor, and coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with a dish that feels both comforting and special, this recipe delivers pure joy and big flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile. From the lean ground turkey that keeps things light and moist, to aromatic ginger and garlic that wake up the senses, every element is essential.
- 16 ounces lean ground turkey: Provides a tender, lean base full of protein and perfect for soaking up sauce.
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for meatballs that hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger): Brings a vibrant zing that’s signature to teriyaki flavors.
- 1 garlic clove, pressed: Infuses warm, savory depth into the meat mixture.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty richness that enhances every bite.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed: Sweetens the sauce naturally for that classic teriyaki balance.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Introduces complexity and a hint of umami to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides salty, savory depth that rounds out the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil: Used in the sauce to complement the nuttiness from the meatballs.
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced: Elevates the sauce with fresh aromatic intensity.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger): Balances sweetness with a bit of warm spice in the sauce.
- Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish: Adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra texture.
How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a snap and help the meatballs cook evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon just until everything comes together—the key is not to overwork the mixture so the meatballs stay tender.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C). This ensures juicy meatballs that hold together perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, gently simmer light brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture bubble for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a shiny glaze texture. The aroma alone will make you eager for the next step!
Step 5: Toss Meatballs in Sauce and Garnish
Once the meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them to a serving bowl and toss immediately with the warm teriyaki sauce to coat thoroughly. Finish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and sliced green onion for that beautiful, authentic finish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet colorful garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions add the perfect textural contrast and a fresh pop of flavor against the rich teriyaki sauce. These small touches make the dish look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
These turkey meatballs shine when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky sushi rice to soak up the sauce. For extra veggies, serve alongside roasted broccoli, a crisp Asian slaw, or stir-fried snap peas for a well-rounded meal bursting with texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Thread the cooked meatballs onto skewers for easy appetizer bites or serve over a bed of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions. Wrapping the meatballs in lettuce cups with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce makes for a fun, handheld version that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatballs keep well for up to 2 months and are great to have on hand for quick dinners.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to keep them moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While turkey keeps these meatballs lean and light, ground chicken or pork will also work beautifully, offering slightly different flavor and fat content.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers will do the trick, though panko gives the lightest texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free hoisin sauce to make this dish safely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?
This Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe is designed for baking, which results in tender, evenly cooked meatballs with less cleanup than frying.
How spicy is this dish?
The meatballs are mild and crowd-pleasingly sweet and savory. For a spicy kick, add a little red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s an effortless way to bring bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy meatballs that are juicy, saucy, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring lean ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, they are garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 16 ounces lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, finely chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Then roll the mixture into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the light brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Meatballs with Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them gently in the warm teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the glazed meatballs with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative to beef or pork meatballs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- If you prefer, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.
- The sauce can be made in advance and reheated before tossing with meatballs.
