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To make honey garlic turkey meatballs, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for garnish Each of these ingredients plays a key role. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add flavor and texture. Garlic and parsley give the meatballs a fresh taste. Honey and soy sauce create a sweet and savory sauce that brings everything together. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic is more flavorful than powdered. Fresh parsley adds a nice color and taste. These little choices boost the dish. You can also adjust the flavors to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer more saltiness? Use more soy sauce. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add minced garlic and the lightly beaten egg. Mix in the chopped parsley, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to blend everything well. This ensures a tasty meatball. Take a small amount of the turkey mixture. Roll it into a ball, about 1 inch wide. Place each meatball on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer helps here. While the meatballs bake, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce simmers gently. Once the meatballs are done, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball. This step makes them extra tasty and sticky. Enjoy the delicious flavors! To create the best meatballs, you need the right mix. Start with ground turkey that has some fat. This fat keeps the meatballs moist. Combine the turkey with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. These add both flavor and texture. Mix well but don’t overwork it. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Nobody likes dry meatballs. To keep them juicy, use a light hand when mixing. The egg helps bind the mixture and adds moisture. Also, make sure your oven is not too hot. A medium temperature helps cook them evenly. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety and flavor. The honey garlic sauce is key to this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mix honey and soy sauce for a sweet and salty blend. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in slowly for a smooth finish. Coat the meatballs right after baking. This lets the flavors soak in. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the flavor of the meatballs significantly. Opt for fresh over dried for the best results. Don’t Overmix: When combining the turkey and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake from frozen when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_4}} You can switch up the ground turkey in this recipe. Try ground chicken for a lighter taste. Ground beef offers a richer flavor. If you want something unique, use ground lamb. Each protein brings its own twist to the meatballs. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the meat you choose. Feel free to tweak the sauce to match your taste. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also mix in some Sriracha or hot sauce if you like it fiery. For a sweeter version, increase the honey. This balance of sweet and spicy can make the dish more exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores sell these now. For dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. Also, make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free, as many brands offer this choice. These simple swaps let everyone enjoy the dish. To keep your honey garlic turkey meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they are cool before sealing the container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. For even heating, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just make sure they are warmed through. To freeze your meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps prevent sticking. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can. Ground chicken, beef, or pork work well too. Each meat brings a different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. These meatballs pair great with rice or noodles. You can also serve them with steamed veggies. For a lighter option, a fresh salad works well too. Consider adding a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C). The meatballs should look golden brown outside. If they are firm to the touch, they are likely done. Always cut one open to check if it's cooked through. These meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. We covered key ingredients, like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and that delicious honey garlic sauce. You learned how to prepare, mix, shape, and bake the meatballs. We also explored tips to keep them moist and tasty. Variations let you customize to your taste or diet. Lastly, I shared storage tips to enjoy them later. Cooking should be fun and simple, and these meatballs fit that perfectly. Enjoy your cooking journey with these tasty treats!

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • for garnish Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly incorporated.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is enough space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
  • Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously until it thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat once the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are finished baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to ensure that each meatball is well coated in the luscious sauce.
  • Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions to add a pop of color and texture.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, use cornstarch to thicken the honey garlic sauce.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, turkey