Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

$For the base of the meatballs, you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs - 1 large egg These ingredients create a tasty and tender meatball. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Panko adds a nice crunch. The egg helps bind everything together. Next, we add flavor with: - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup grated carrot The green onions bring a fresh taste. Garlic adds depth with its rich aroma. Grated carrot gives sweetness and moisture, making the meatballs soft. For the teriyaki sauce, gather: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish The soy sauce is salty and savory. Honey adds sweetness that balances the salt. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Grated ginger adds warmth and spice. Don’t forget sesame seeds for a crunchy finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl. In it, mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then, include 1/4 cup of grated carrot. This adds sweetness and color. Next, crack in 1 large egg. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well. You want a uniform mixture, so ensure everything is combined. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After mixing, shape the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Drizzle half of the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. This adds flavor while they bake. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The meatballs are done when their internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Once the meatballs are baked, move them to a saucepan. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over them. Heat on low for 2-3 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball well. Afterward, they are ready to serve. Garnish them with sesame seeds and more green onions if you like. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki turkey meatballs! To keep your meatballs moist, use ground turkey with some fat. A mix of dark and light meat works well. Add panko bread crumbs and egg, as they trap moisture. Also, do not overmix the meat. This can make the meatballs tough. Form them gently and keep them round. Accurate measuring is key to great meatballs. Use a dry measuring cup for panko and vegetables. For liquids like soy sauce and honey, use a liquid measuring cup. When measuring sticky ingredients, spray the cup with cooking oil first. This helps them slide out easily. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for best results. Bake your meatballs for 18-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want, you can simmer them in sauce for a few minutes after baking. This step adds flavor and keeps them juicy. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the best texture and safety. Chill the Mixture: If the turkey mixture feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before forming the meatballs for easier handling. Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers or cilantro to the meatball mixture for added flavor and texture. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the meat, ground chicken works well. It has a similar flavor and texture. You can also use ground pork for a richer taste. If you prefer beef, lean ground beef is a great choice too. Each option will give you a unique flavor while keeping the dish fun. You can easily change the teriyaki sauce. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. If you want more spice, add some red pepper flakes. You can also use a store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re short on time. For a sweeter sauce, increase the honey amount. Each tweak can change the taste and make it exciting. To make these meatballs vegetarian or vegan, use lentils or chickpeas instead of turkey. Mash them up and mix with the same bread crumbs and veggies. For a vegan sauce, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors while keeping it plant-based. After enjoying your teriyaki turkey meatballs, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors intact and the meatballs fresh. Freezing is a great way to save time. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour until firm. Then, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Just label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat the meatballs, you have a few options. For a quick method, use the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for about one to two minutes. If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake them for about ten minutes. This will warm them through while keeping them tasty. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use regular ground meat. Beef or chicken works well. Both options will change the flavor. Turkey is leaner, which makes it a great choice. You can adjust the cooking time based on the meat used. Always check that the meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Teriyaki turkey meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Asian slaw with a light dressing - Noodles tossed in sesame oil - A fresh cucumber salad These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They balance the sweet and savory taste of the meatballs. To make teriyaki turkey meatballs gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Use gluten-free panko bread crumbs instead of regular ones. Check the labels on all products to be sure they are gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy the same great flavor. These teriyaki turkey meatballs are easy and fun to make. You learned about key ingredients, mixing, and baking steps. I shared tips to keep meatballs moist and precise measurements for success. We explored tasty variations and storage tips to save leftovers. Try these meatballs with your favorite sides or adapt them to fit your needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs glazed with a savory teriyaki sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup grated carrot
1 large egg
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated carrot, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger until smooth.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle half of the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a saucepan, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over them, and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to coat.
Serve the meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey