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Glazed Turkey Meatballs


  • Author: Miya
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean or extra-lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crispiness)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg (to bind the ingredients)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (for sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for tanginess)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for an added caramelized sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder (optional for a bit of warmth)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Turkey: Turkey is a lean protein choice, providing a healthier base for the meatballs while still keeping them tender and juicy.
  • Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs give the meatballs structure, while also helping to keep them soft and moist inside.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the meatballs and enhances the texture.
  • Soy Sauce and Honey: The combination of soy sauce and honey makes for the perfect balance of salty and sweet in the glaze, with the soy sauce adding an umami-rich layer and the honey providing natural sweetness.
  • Rice Vinegar: A touch of rice vinegar adds acidity, which cuts through the sweetness of the glaze and balances the overall flavor profile.
  • Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and a layer of complexity to the glaze, complementing the sweetness and saltiness.
  • Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: These garnishes add a nice texture and brightness to the dish, and they provide an authentic Asian-inspired finish to the meatballs.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Combine Everything: Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape it into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with approximately 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure the meatballs are spaced evenly apart so they cook evenly.
  3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Glaze

  1. Combine Ingredients for the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder (if using).
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine the ingredients. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
  3. Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering glaze while stirring constantly. Let the glaze cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed by adding more honey or soy sauce. If you want more tang, add a little more rice vinegar.

Step 4: Glaze the Meatballs

  1. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the pan with the glaze. Toss the meatballs in the glaze to coat them evenly, ensuring each one is covered in the sweet and savory sauce.
  2. Simmer Together: Let the glazed meatballs cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
  3. Garnish: Transfer the glazed turkey meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Glazed Turkey Meatballs are now ready to be served! Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

  • Serve with Rice or Noodles: Pair the glazed meatballs with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles for a well-rounded meal.
  • Serve as Appetizers: These meatballs make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings. Serve them with toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving.
  • Serve in a Sub Roll: For a fun twist, place the glazed turkey meatballs in a sub roll and top with cheese, lettuce, or pickled vegetables for a sandwich option.
  • Serve with Vegetables: Complement the richness of the meatballs with some sautéed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots, for a more nutritious meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 250-300
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 28g