Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Recipe
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.
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.