Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Joyful and Easy Recipe

ByIsabella Hours Posted on
- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp onion powder - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor) - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water The main ingredients create a tasty base for our meatballs. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs soft. Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor. Fresh parsley gives a bright touch. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic adds a bold kick that enhances the dish. For seasonings, salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Onion powder adds depth. Honey and soy sauce create that sweet and savory sauce we love. If you want extra flavor, sesame oil is a great option. Lastly, the cornstarch and water mixture thickens the sauce. This gives it a nice coating for the meatballs. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish both fun and delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your main ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp onion powder Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients blend together. This step is key for getting the right texture. You want a sticky mixture that holds together. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Now, scoop out portions of the turkey mixture. Roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the baking sheet. Keep them spaced apart for even cooking. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature must reach 165°F. While the meatballs bake, let's make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tsp sesame oil (optional) Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. When the sauce simmers, add the cornstarch mixture. This is made from 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water. Stir continuously to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. This should take around 1-2 minutes. When making meatballs, the mix is key. I like to use my hands for mixing. This way, I can feel if the turkey is blended well with the other ingredients. Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide. Keep them uniform for even cooking. To avoid dry meatballs, don't overmix. Just blend until everything is combined. Also, use fresh ingredients. Fresh parsley and garlic add moisture and flavor. For the perfect sauce, start with equal parts honey and soy sauce. Heat them in a saucepan until they simmer. This step brings out the flavors. Add the cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring all the time. This helps the sauce thicken without lumps. You want it thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Feel free to adjust the flavor. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Need a saltier kick? A dash more soy sauce works well. Garnishing your meatballs can make them pop. I love using extra chopped parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal. Serve the meatballs warm on a nice plate. Pair them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also make a meatball sub with fresh bread. This adds fun and variety to your dinner. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh parsley and garlic to enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and not tough. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch or add more water to achieve your desired consistency. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can make this meal even healthier. Use lean turkey for a lighter option. Lean turkey has less fat. It keeps the meatballs moist while cutting calories. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap works well for anyone avoiding gluten. It helps you stay on track with your diet without losing taste. Want to spice things up? Add some paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. A sprinkle of Italian herbs can also enhance the flavor. These spices can make your meatballs more exciting. You might also try different sauces. BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce can add a new twist. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match. Pair your meatballs with sides to make a full meal. Serve them over rice, noodles, or even a salad. They can also go well in a sub with cheese. For a fun twist, make meatball sliders on small buns. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for color. It adds a nice touch and keeps the dish bright. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For proper freezing, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them in the oven or microwave until hot. In the fridge, meatballs last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground chicken or beef works well. You can also try pork for a different flavor. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as they may vary. The meatballs are done when they reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. They should also look golden brown on the outside. If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Brown sugar mixed with water is another option. Each substitute will add a unique flavor. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge. You can bake them later for a quick meal. To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add spicy sauce to the honey garlic sauce for extra heat. Absolutely! These meatballs are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge or freezer. Serve them with rice or veggies for a balanced meal. You’ve learned how to make tasty honey garlic turkey meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, perfect cooking steps, and essential tips. You can mix up flavors and try healthy swaps too. Don’t forget about storing options for leftovers, and serving ideas for your meals. Making these meatballs can be fun and easy. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy creating a dish that everyone will love. Cooking should be enjoyable, and these meatballs are a great way to share your skills.

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Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea? Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are your answer! With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a meal your family will love. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from mixing the perfect meatball blend to creating a mouthwatering sauce. Let’s make dinner joyful and stress-free with this easy recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthier Option: Ground turkey is a lean protein, making these meatballs a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
  3. Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey garlic sauce brings a delightful balance of sweetness and umami that complements the turkey perfectly.
  4. Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, over rice, or in a sub sandwich for a delicious twist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

Thickening Agent

  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

The main ingredients create a tasty base for our meatballs. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs soft. Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor. Fresh parsley gives a bright touch. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic adds a bold kick that enhances the dish.

For seasonings, salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Onion powder adds depth. Honey and soy sauce create that sweet and savory sauce we love. If you want extra flavor, sesame oil is a great option.

Lastly, the cornstarch and water mixture thickens the sauce. This gives it a nice coating for the meatballs. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish both fun and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Start by gathering all your main ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients blend together. This step is key for getting the right texture. You want a sticky mixture that holds together.

Baking the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Now, scoop out portions of the turkey mixture. Roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the baking sheet. Keep them spaced apart for even cooking.

Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature must reach 165°F.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the meatballs bake, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

When the sauce simmers, add the cornstarch mixture. This is made from 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water. Stir continuously to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. This should take around 1-2 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Meatballs

When making meatballs, the mix is key. I like to use my hands for mixing. This way, I can feel if the turkey is blended well with the other ingredients. Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide. Keep them uniform for even cooking.

To avoid dry meatballs, don’t overmix. Just blend until everything is combined. Also, use fresh ingredients. Fresh parsley and garlic add moisture and flavor.

Sauce Consistency

For the perfect sauce, start with equal parts honey and soy sauce. Heat them in a saucepan until they simmer. This step brings out the flavors. Add the cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring all the time. This helps the sauce thicken without lumps. You want it thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water.

Feel free to adjust the flavor. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Need a saltier kick? A dash more soy sauce works well.

Garnish and Presentation

Garnishing your meatballs can make them pop. I love using extra chopped parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal.

Serve the meatballs warm on a nice plate. Pair them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also make a meatball sub with fresh bread. This adds fun and variety to your dinner.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh parsley and garlic to enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and not tough.
  3. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch or add more water to achieve your desired consistency.
  4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor twist.

Variations

Healthy Alternatives

You can make this meal even healthier. Use lean turkey for a lighter option. Lean turkey has less fat. It keeps the meatballs moist while cutting calories. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap works well for anyone avoiding gluten. It helps you stay on track with your diet without losing taste.

Flavor Additions

Want to spice things up? Add some paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. A sprinkle of Italian herbs can also enhance the flavor. These spices can make your meatballs more exciting. You might also try different sauces. BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce can add a new twist. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your meatballs with sides to make a full meal. Serve them over rice, noodles, or even a salad. They can also go well in a sub with cheese. For a fun twist, make meatball sliders on small buns. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for color. It adds a nice touch and keeps the dish bright.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Tips

For proper freezing, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them in the oven or microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, meatballs last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other meats. Ground chicken or beef works well. You can also try pork for a different flavor. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as they may vary.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. They should also look golden brown on the outside.

What are some common substitutes for honey?

If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Brown sugar mixed with water is another option. Each substitute will add a unique flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge. You can bake them later for a quick meal.

How can I make the meatballs spicy?

To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add spicy sauce to the honey garlic sauce for extra heat.

Are honey garlic turkey meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge or freezer. Serve them with rice or veggies for a balanced meal.

You’ve learned how to make tasty honey garlic turkey meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, perfect cooking steps, and essential tips. You can mix up flavors and try healthy swaps too. Don’t forget about storing options for leftovers, and serving ideas for your meals. Making these meatballs can be fun and easy. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy creating a dish that everyone will love. Cooking should be enjoyable, and these meatballs are a great way to share your skill

- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp onion powder - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor) - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water The main ingredients create a tasty base for our meatballs. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Breadcrumbs keep the meatballs soft. Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor. Fresh parsley gives a bright touch. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic adds a bold kick that enhances the dish. For seasonings, salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Onion powder adds depth. Honey and soy sauce create that sweet and savory sauce we love. If you want extra flavor, sesame oil is a great option. Lastly, the cornstarch and water mixture thickens the sauce. This gives it a nice coating for the meatballs. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish both fun and delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your main ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp onion powder Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients blend together. This step is key for getting the right texture. You want a sticky mixture that holds together. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Now, scoop out portions of the turkey mixture. Roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the baking sheet. Keep them spaced apart for even cooking. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature must reach 165°F. While the meatballs bake, let's make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tsp sesame oil (optional) Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. When the sauce simmers, add the cornstarch mixture. This is made from 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water. Stir continuously to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. This should take around 1-2 minutes. When making meatballs, the mix is key. I like to use my hands for mixing. This way, I can feel if the turkey is blended well with the other ingredients. Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide. Keep them uniform for even cooking. To avoid dry meatballs, don't overmix. Just blend until everything is combined. Also, use fresh ingredients. Fresh parsley and garlic add moisture and flavor. For the perfect sauce, start with equal parts honey and soy sauce. Heat them in a saucepan until they simmer. This step brings out the flavors. Add the cornstarch mixture slowly, stirring all the time. This helps the sauce thicken without lumps. You want it thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Feel free to adjust the flavor. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Need a saltier kick? A dash more soy sauce works well. Garnishing your meatballs can make them pop. I love using extra chopped parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal. Serve the meatballs warm on a nice plate. Pair them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also make a meatball sub with fresh bread. This adds fun and variety to your dinner. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh parsley and garlic to enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and not tough. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch or add more water to achieve your desired consistency. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can make this meal even healthier. Use lean turkey for a lighter option. Lean turkey has less fat. It keeps the meatballs moist while cutting calories. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This swap works well for anyone avoiding gluten. It helps you stay on track with your diet without losing taste. Want to spice things up? Add some paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. A sprinkle of Italian herbs can also enhance the flavor. These spices can make your meatballs more exciting. You might also try different sauces. BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce can add a new twist. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match. Pair your meatballs with sides to make a full meal. Serve them over rice, noodles, or even a salad. They can also go well in a sub with cheese. For a fun twist, make meatball sliders on small buns. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for color. It adds a nice touch and keeps the dish bright. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For proper freezing, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, move the meatballs to the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them in the oven or microwave until hot. In the fridge, meatballs last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground chicken or beef works well. You can also try pork for a different flavor. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as they may vary. The meatballs are done when they reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. They should also look golden brown on the outside. If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Brown sugar mixed with water is another option. Each substitute will add a unique flavor. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge. You can bake them later for a quick meal. To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add spicy sauce to the honey garlic sauce for extra heat. Absolutely! These meatballs are great for meal prep. They store well in the fridge or freezer. Serve them with rice or veggies for a balanced meal. You’ve learned how to make tasty honey garlic turkey meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, perfect cooking steps, and essential tips. You can mix up flavors and try healthy swaps too. Don’t forget about storing options for leftovers, and serving ideas for your meals. Making these meatballs can be fun and easy. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy creating a dish that everyone will love. Cooking should be enjoyable, and these meatballs are a great way to share your skills.

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 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (to thicken the sauce)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
  • With your hands, scoop out portions of the turkey mixture and roll them into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and are golden brown on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
  • When the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until it reaches your preferred consistency, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the honey garlic sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Notes

Garnish with extra chopped parsley for added freshness.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, turkey

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