Asian Turkey Meatballs

Name: Asian Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, (85%-20% lean); ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs; ¼ cup finely chopped green onions; 1 large egg, (room temperature); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger, (or ginger paste); 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh garlic; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; olive oil cooking spray; ½ cup water, (for sauce); 1 ½ tablespoons water, (to make the cornstarch slurry used to thicken the sauce); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh garlic; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Finely sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Asian turkey meatballs are flavorful, easy-to-make turkey meatballs in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

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Table of Contents

Asian Turkey Meatball Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Troubleshooting
How To Serve Homemade Meatballs with Asian Sauce
How To Store Asian Ground Turkey Meatballs
Why These Asian Turkey Meatballs Are The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try
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These Asian turkey meatballs bring together the savory goodness of ground turkey, fresh ginger, and garlic with a flavorful sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and delicious meal without the fuss.

a plate of Asian Turkey Meatballs garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Our Asian turkey meatballs recipe stands out with its blend of fresh ginger and garlic, which infuses the meatballs with a savory depth that’s both comforting and exciting.

Our version simplifies the cooking process while ensuring the meatballs are moist and tender. By using ground turkey and a flavorful sauce, we create a dish that’s both light and rich, perfect for any day of the week.

Asian Turkey Meatball Ingredients

Asian Turkey Meatballs raw ingredients that are labeled

Our recipe development team created a delicious dinner recipe that uses fresh ingredients to make tender meatballs in a flavorful sauce. The Asian-inspired flavors make this a dish that everyone will enjoy.

You’ll need:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey (85%-20% lean)
½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup finely chopped green onions
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh garlic
½ teaspoon sesame oil
olive oil cooking spray

For the Sauce:

½ cup + 1 ½ tablespoons water, divided (½ cup for sauce plus 1 tablespoon to make the cornstarch slurry used to thicken the sauce)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh garlic
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnish:

Finely sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to customize this Asian meatballs recipe or need to adapt the ingredients based on what’s available, here are some practical substitutions and additions you can make.

Remember, any substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the recipe, so use them at your own discretion.

Ground Turkey: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef. Ground pork is also a good option if you’re looking for a richer flavor. You can also make a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen meatballs. Simply cook them in the oven, then make your sauce and combine.

Plain Panko Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or almond flour. Regular breadcrumbs can also work if panko isn’t available.

Green Onions: If you don’t have green onions, finely chopped shallots or regular onions can be used. Leeks can add a milder flavor and are a good alternative.

Egg: If you want to avoid using eggs, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to keep the recipe egg-free.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute, and coconut aminos work well for a soy-free option.

Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, using about ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of fresh ginger. Alternatively, ginger paste can be a convenient option.

Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic, using ⅛ teaspoon for each clove. Garlic paste is another handy alternative.

Sesame Oil: If sesame oil is unavailable, you can use olive oil or peanut oil. While the flavor will differ, these oils will still provide a good base for cooking.

Hoisin Sauce: Oyster sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can substitute for hoisin sauce. Barbecue sauce can also be used for a different but tasty variation.

Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey, offering a similar sweetness. Brown sugar dissolved in a bit of water is another option.

Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a thickener in place of cornstarch. Use them in the same quantity as cornstarch.

How To Make This Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Making Asian ground turkey meatballs is easy. We’ll walk you through each step of this from-scratch recipe. Just follow our detailed guide, and watch for tips and helpful recipe notes along the way.

PRO TIP: Before diving into the cooking, start by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Having everything ready and at hand simplifies the process and ensures you won’t forget anything.

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven and line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Aim for a consistent texture to ensure each meatball cooks uniformly.

PRO TIP: Using clean hands (you can wear thin gloves) to make the meatball mixture can help combine the ingredients. Try not to overmix, or your meatballs may end up dense and dry.

ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil combined in a bowl

STEP THREE: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth, even balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each for even cooking.

PRO TIP: Wet your hands lightly before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.

meatball mixture scooped into a ball and placed on a baking sheet

STEP FOUR: Spray the tops of the meatballs lightly with olive oil cooking spray. This will help them turn a nice golden brown.

meatballs sprayed with olive oil on a baking sheet

Bake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are cooked through.

PRO TIP: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to promote even browning and cooking.

STEP FIVE: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about two to three minutes.

water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil combined in a saucepan

STEP SIX: Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 1 ½ tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously as you add the slurry. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

PRO TIP: Always add the slurry to a bubbling sauce to activate the thickening power of the cornstarch immediately.

cornstarch slurry added to the sauce mixture

STEP SEVEN: Once the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, add them to a large serving bowl, pour over most of the sauce, and gently toss to coat. Reserve some sauce for drizzling over the meatballs when serving, or use it as a dipping sauce.

PRO TIP: Letting the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving helps them absorb more flavor.

STEP EIGHT: Serve the sauced meatballs garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For a complete meal, pair them with steamed rice or vegetables.

Troubleshooting

These baked meatballs are easy to make, but in case you still have concerns, here are more tips from our talented recipe developers and testers:

Meatball Size: Make sure all meatballs are of uniform size for even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help you scoop even portions.
Avoid Overcrowding: If the baking sheet is too crowded, the meatballs may steam rather than bake, leading to less browning. Use two baking sheets if needed.
Watch the Sauce: When making the sauce, keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Stirring frequently helps maintain an even consistency.
Keep the Sauce Warm: If the sauce thickens too much before the meatballs are ready, keep it warm over low heat and stir occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. You can also cover it with a lid so it maintains its liquid content.
Fresh Ingredients: It’s worth investing in fresh ginger and garlic for this recipe. They give this recipe authentic the Asian flavors you want.

How To Serve Homemade Meatballs with Asian Sauce

These Asian-style Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic addition to so many meals and occasions. Whether you’re serving them as the main course or incorporating them into other dishes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy these savory bites.

Here are some ideas on how to serve and pair them:

With Rice and Vegetables: Serve the Asian turkey meatballs over a bed of steamed white or brown rice with a side of sauteed vegetables. The rice helps soak up the sticky sauce, while the vegetables add a nice crunch.

You can also serve these tasty beef meatballs over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or egg noodles.

In a Salad: For a lighter option, place the meatballs on the side of a salad. Use a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula, and add some Asian cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Drizzle with a light sesame or ginger dressing.

As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating. Offer a side of the sauce for dipping. This works well for parties and gatherings, making the meatballs an excellent starter option.

With Noodles: Pair the meatballs with some garlic sesame noodles or eve a simple dish or Ramen.

Drinks: Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer.

These glazed meatballs are ideas for casual family dinners or for hosting guests. It’s also a great dish to take to a potluck or office party.

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How To Store Asian Ground Turkey Meatballs

Properly storing your Asian turkey meatballs keeps them fresh and delicious, so they’re easy to enjoy later. Here’s how you can make ahead, store, and reheat this recipe for the best results.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time. Mix the ingredients, form the meatballs, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows you to save time and have the meatballs ready to cook when needed.

IN THE FRIDGE: Once cooked, store the leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate in another container to maintain the best texture and flavor.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to two months. Freeze the sauce separately. When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight.

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat, you can use the microwave or oven.

Microwave: Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of sauce, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through.
Oven: Preheat to 325°F, place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and heat for eight to ten minutes or until warm. If reheating the sauce, do so on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Why These Asian Turkey Meatballs Are The Best

Our recipe testers reported their families loved this tasty dinner dish! Here are the reasons why they’re sure you’re going to love it too:

Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make this recipe easy to make, even if you’ve never made homemade meatballs before.

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce gives these meatballs an amazing taste.

Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be served with rice, in salads, or as appetizers, fitting into any meal plan.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, making meal prep a breeze.

Kid-Approved: The savory and slightly sweet sauce makes this dish a hit with kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

How finely should I chop the green onions?

Finely chop the green onions to ensure they mix evenly into the meatball mixture.

What can I use if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

You can use a tablespoon to portion out the meatball mixture and roll it into balls.

Is it necessary to spray the meatballs with olive oil before baking?

Spraying with olive oil helps them brown nicely, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can be added for extra nutrition.

Do I need to let the meatball mixture rest before forming the meatballs?

It’s not necessary, but refrigerating the mixture for 20-30 minutes can make it easier to handle.

How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?

Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Enjoy the perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors! We’ve tested this recipe extensively to get it just right, making sure every ingredient complements the others perfectly. Each element is chosen to bring out the best in these meatballs, for a perfectly balanced, take-out quality dinner, right from your own kitchen.

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