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To make teriyaki turkey meatballs, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients come together to create a juicy and flavorful dish. Ground turkey is lean and healthy, making it a great choice. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them texture. Fresh ginger and garlic add a punch of flavor. They bring warmth and depth to the meatballs. Green onions give a fresh crunch and a hint of onion flavor. The sauce is where the magic happens. Soy sauce gives it that classic teriyaki taste. Honey adds sweetness, while sesame oil provides a rich finish. Rice vinegar gives a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. Finally, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating. Don't forget the garnishes! Sesame seeds and cilantro brighten up the dish. They add a nice touch of color and flavor, making your meatballs look and taste amazing. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a delicious meal everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced Mix well until you see no dry spots. This step is key. It helps the meatballs stay moist and flavorful. 2. In another small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Ensure the cornstarch dissolves completely. This mix will be your teriyaki sauce. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the meatballs bake evenly. 2. Form the turkey mixture into balls, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each ball. This helps them cook properly. 3. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes. They should be fully cooked and slightly browned. Use a meat thermometer if needed; they should reach 165°F (74°C). 1. While the meatballs bake, pour the teriyaki sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often until it thickens, which takes about 3-5 minutes. 2. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until they are fully coated. This step is crucial because it lets the meatballs soak up all that tasty sauce. 3. Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This allows them to absorb even more flavor. Now you're ready to serve your teriyaki turkey meatballs hot. Enjoy! To make your teriyaki meatballs just right, you can adjust the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add extra honey. If you prefer a saltier kick, a splash more soy sauce will do the trick. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs. For even cooking, make sure all meatballs are the same size. I recommend using a scoop to help with this. This way, they all cook at the same rate. Also, give them space on the baking sheet. Crowding will make them steam instead of brown. If you want to skip baking, try pan-frying the meatballs. Heat some oil in a skillet and cook them over medium heat. This method adds a nice crisp. You can also simmer them in the teriyaki sauce for added flavor. To achieve the perfect texture, do not overmix the turkey. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Also, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps them hold their shape and stay juicy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Avoid using pre-minced or jarred versions for the best taste. Don’t Overmix: When combining the turkey and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. For a less sweet flavor, reduce the honey by half. Serve with Sides: These meatballs pair well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Consider adding a side for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well too. If you prefer beef, that’s a great choice too. Each meat brings its own flavor. For breadcrumbs, look for gluten-free options. You can use crushed rice cakes or oats. These choices keep the meatballs tasty and healthy. To make your meatballs unique, add different spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can boost flavor too. You can also use sweeteners besides honey. Maple syrup or agave nectar adds a nice twist. Each option changes the taste a bit while keeping the dish delightful. To keep your teriyaki turkey meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in a sealed container. They will last up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. If you want to save them for later, consider freezing. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Be sure to label the bag with the date. This way, you will know when to use them. When it is time to eat your leftovers, reheating them is easy. You can use the microwave. Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them for about one to two minutes. Check if they are hot enough. You can also reheat in the oven for a crispier texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through. After reheating, you can serve them with rice, noodles, or veggies. A fresh sprinkle of cilantro or sesame seeds makes them look great! How long do teriyaki turkey meatballs last in the fridge? Teriyaki turkey meatballs last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can enjoy them as leftovers or add them to other dishes. Can I make teriyaki turkey meatballs in advance? Yes, you can make teriyaki turkey meatballs in advance. Prepare them up to a day before. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking. What can I serve with teriyaki turkey meatballs? You can serve teriyaki turkey meatballs with rice or noodles. Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas work well too. A light salad can add some crunch. For a fun twist, try them in a wrap or sandwich. How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked? To check if meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink inside. This way, you can enjoy them safely! In this blog, we covered how to make tasty teriyaki turkey meatballs. We shared the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned about adjusting the sauce and even cooking techniques. We also explored healthy ingredient swaps and flavorful additions. Finally, we discussed storage tips and answered common questions. Making teriyaki meatballs is simple and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to suit your taste!

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Form the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked and slightly browned.
  • While the meatballs are baking, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into a skillet over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss them in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Remove from heat and let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve the teriyaki turkey meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey