Savory and slightly sweet, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish that the whole family will love. These flavorful meatballs are bursting with taste and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a party appetizer. The honey and garlic create a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making each bite irresistible. Plus, they are made with ground turkey, a leaner option that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 21 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 550 mg
Why Make This Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
There are so many delicious reasons to make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs! They are easy to prepare and cook, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic provides a flavor that delights the taste buds. Plus, using ground turkey keeps the meatballs lean yet packed with protein. Whether served atop rice, in wraps, or as a savory snack, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help the meatballs cook evenly while giving them a lovely golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 3: Forming & Cooking
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a lovely glaze. Brush or drizzle this honey garlic sauce over the formed meatballs. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Finishing
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot, drizzled with any remaining sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs shine as the star of the show. Serve them over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. They also make excellent appetizers at gatherings; simply stick toothpicks in them and offer some extra sauce on the side for dipping. Add a fresh salad or steamed veggies to round out the plate for a colorful, healthy dinner.
How to Store Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they are well-separated to prevent sticking. They should keep for about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warm, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
- For added moisture and flavor, consider adding finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze.
- Always check that your meatballs are cooked through using a meat thermometer to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- Use day-old bread to make fresh breadcrumbs for a better texture in your meatballs.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Delicious Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep it keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Italian Twist: Mix Italian herbs into the meatball mixture and serve with marinara sauce instead of the honey garlic sauce for a classic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different proteins for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or lean beef for the turkey, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- What can I use instead of honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes for a similar sweetness.
- How do I know when the meatballs are done? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut one in half to check that it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and refrigerate it before cooking, or you can form the meatballs and freeze them before baking.
- What sides go well with these meatballs? Steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even roasted potatoes make excellent side dishes that complement the meatballs.
Conclusion
With their mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors, Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. They’re perfect for a quick family meal, a party appetizer, or anything in between. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite flavors and ingredients. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Savory and slightly sweet, these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish that the whole family will love. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Brush or drizzle this over the meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest before serving hot with remaining sauce.
Notes
For added moisture, consider adding finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the mixture. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
