When I was looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, I stumbled upon this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs recipe. It quickly became a favorite in our house—sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. My kids love them, and I love how easy they are to make. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer for a party or as a main dish with rice and veggies, they’re always a hit. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and simple to prepare, these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are the answer. Let me show you how to make them—they’re a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 35mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first tried a version of these meatballs at a potluck and knew I had to recreate them at home. After a few experiments, I landed on this recipe, which combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic and soy sauce. It’s been a family favorite ever since.
Why Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs?
These meatballs are perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and savory flavors. They’re easy to make, versatile, and great for meal prep. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so they’re healthier and less messy.
What is Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Made Of?
The meatballs are made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and a blend of spices. They’re baked in the oven and then tossed in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other simple ingredients.
What to Have with Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- A side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots
- Over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- As an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping
Is Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Healthy?
Yes! Turkey is a lean protein, and baking the meatballs instead of frying reduces the fat content. The sauce is made with natural ingredients like honey and garlic, which add flavor without too many extra calories. Just watch the portion size and the amount of sauce if you’re looking to keep it lighter.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will become tough.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- While the meatballs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding them to the mixture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Double the recipe and freeze the extras for quick meals or snacks later.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze the baked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a healthier, flavorful take on a classic dish. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try—they might just become a new favorite in your home!
MORE RECIPES
Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will become tough.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- While the meatballs are baking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.