Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, featuring lean ground turkey and a sweet-savory honey garlic glaze. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or party appetizers. Quick to make and full of flavor, these meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or veggies.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground turkeybread crumbsminced garliceggsoy saucehoneyketchuprice vinegarground gingeronion powdersaltblack pepperolive oilgreen onions (optional, for garnish)sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, minced garlic, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan and toss to coat in the honey garlic sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 meatballs.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Sauce and assembly time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.

Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Serve over rice noodles or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture for added veggies.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before adding sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake them in advance, then reheat with sauce before serving.

Can I use panko instead of regular bread crumbs?
Absolutely, panko will add a slightly lighter texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and bread crumbs to make it gluten-free.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the sauce for more coverage?
Yes, simply double the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.

Are these meatballs good for kids?
Yes, the sweet honey garlic flavor is kid-friendly.

Can I air-fry the meatballs?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Do I have to bake them, or can I pan-fry?
You can pan-fry them in a bit of oil until browned and cooked through.

Conclusion

Easy Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a tasty and versatile dish that brings together the comfort of classic meatballs with a bold, sticky glaze. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, they offer a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.