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For these tasty meatballs, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients blend well to create juicy, flavorful meatballs. To add extra taste, consider these optional items: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - A splash of lime juice for zest These add-ons can enhance the flavor profile and give you a unique twist. If you're missing an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Ground turkey can be replaced with chicken or beef. - Breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed crackers or oats. - Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and budget-friendly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine these items: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix these well with your hands. Make sure everything is evenly combined. The mixture should feel sticky and hold together when you form it into balls. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, roll the turkey mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them neatly on a lined baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. They should be golden brown and cooked through when done. While the meatballs bake, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it occasionally for about five minutes. You want the sauce to thicken just a bit. After 20 minutes, take the meatballs out of the oven. Transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball. Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another five minutes. This helps the sauce caramelize slightly. Once finished, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes. Serve them on a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and more chopped parsley. Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a tasty meal. To make juicy meatballs, start with fresh ground turkey. This meat is lean, so it needs moisture. Use breadcrumbs to add texture and help keep moisture in. Grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and richness. Always mix gently; over-mixing can make them tough. Form meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. This size cooks evenly and keeps them tender. One common mistake is not measuring your ingredients. Use the right amounts for the best results. Another mistake is baking at too high a temperature. Stick to 400°F for even cooking. Do not skip the rest time after baking. Letting the meatballs cool a bit lets the flavors settle. Lastly, avoid rushing the sauce. Let it thicken to get that perfect glaze. These honey garlic turkey meatballs shine when served on a platter. Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh parsley on top for color. Pair them with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also go well in a wrap or on a bun for a tasty sandwich. For a fun twist, serve with toothpicks as appetizers at parties. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing excess fat. This will enhance flavor without compromising healthiness. Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming. This helps the ingredients bind better, resulting in firmer meatballs. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the honey garlic sauce to your taste. Adding a splash of lime juice can brighten the flavors. Perfect Baking: Ensure even cooking by spacing the meatballs out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and prevents steaming. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free with some easy swaps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can find these in most stores. Another option is to crush gluten-free crackers into crumbs. This keeps the texture nice. If you want a keto version, skip the breadcrumbs. Instead, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This cuts the carbs but keeps the meatballs tasty. You can also add extra cheese for more flavor. Parmesan works great here. Add some kick to your meatballs! Mix in more red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños. This gives the dish a nice spicy twist. You can also drizzle some sriracha over the finished meatballs for an extra burst of heat. After you enjoy your honey garlic turkey meatballs, store any leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the meatballs stay fresh and tasty. When you want to eat the leftover meatballs, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place the meatballs on a plate and cover them. Heat for about one to two minutes. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them juicy. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to a pan, then heat the meatballs over medium. Cover and stir until warm. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing works great. Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tight. They can stay there for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also reheat them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time. Enjoy your easy meal any day! Yes, you can make honey garlic turkey meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing. When you're ready to eat, thaw and bake them as needed. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers or oats. Both options work well and give a nice texture. You can even use ground nuts for a gluten-free choice. Just keep the same amount as the recipe suggests. You can tell the meatballs are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check that it is no longer pink inside. Absolutely! These honey garlic turkey meatballs are great for meal prep. They store well and can be easily added to different meals. Make a big batch, then divide them into portions. You can enjoy them with rice, pasta, or even in a salad throughout the week. Now you know how to make honey garlic turkey meatballs. We covered main ingredients and optional ones for extra taste. You learned tips for juicy meatballs and tricks to avoid mistakes. We also explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers. These meatballs are easy and fun to make. Enjoy trying different flavors or serving ideas. I hope you share these with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste unit sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens (about 5 minutes).
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
  • Return the meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, turkey