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To make Teriyaki turkey meatballs, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening) These items create a tasty blend for meatballs packed with flavor. For the teriyaki sauce, you will need: - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water This sauce adds a sweet and savory glaze to the meatballs. You will also need some basic kitchen tools: - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Small saucepan - Whisk or spoon for mixing Having these tools ready makes the cooking process smooth and easy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, ginger, and an egg. In a large bowl, add all these ingredients. Mix them well with your hands or a spoon. Make sure everything is evenly combined. This step is crucial for tasty meatballs. You want every bite to have all the flavors. Now, take the mixture and roll it into 1-inch meatballs. You should get around 20 meatballs from this mix. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is ready, bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). While the meatballs bake, it’s time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Don’t forget the cornstarch mix! This will thicken the sauce. Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat. When the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan. Gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Serve them warm and enjoy! To get the best meatball texture, use lean ground turkey. It keeps the meatballs moist. Combine the turkey with breadcrumbs and egg for binding. Mix everything gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Roll the meatballs into 1-inch balls. This size cooks evenly. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. They should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. You can boost the flavor of your meatballs by adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or basil can add a lovely touch. Adding a bit more ginger or garlic will also enhance the taste. When making the teriyaki sauce, add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use orange juice instead of rice vinegar for a fruity twist. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. This can lead to dry or flavorless meatballs. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Give each meatball space to cook evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the sauce thickening step. A good sauce coats the meatballs well and adds richness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Avoid using powdered versions for the best taste. Don't Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Customize Sauce Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of your teriyaki sauce by adding more honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference. {{image_2}} You can easily make these meatballs gluten-free. Just swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. This small change keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. You can also check the soy sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free versions. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without worry. If you want to make these meatballs dairy-free, you’re in luck! This recipe does not use any dairy. Simply focus on the ingredients listed. Make sure your breadcrumbs do not contain dairy. Most store-bought brands are dairy-free, but check the label just in case. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a unique hint of flavor. Want to switch it up? You can use other ground meats. Ground chicken or lean beef work well. They maintain the flavor and texture of the original recipe. If you prefer a plant-based option, use ground turkey substitutes made from tofu or lentils. These options keep the dish light and healthy while still satisfying. To keep your teriyaki turkey meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are cooled down before sealing. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay good for up to three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. For the best results, use an oven or stovetop. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using a stovetop, warm them in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat them on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are hot all the way through. You can serve Teriyaki turkey meatballs with many tasty sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also pair them with stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add crunch and color. Another option is a fresh salad. A green salad with sesame dressing adds a nice contrast. For a fun twist, try them in a wrap with lettuce and cucumber. Making teriyaki sauce at home is easy and quick. You will need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Mix well. Heat over medium until it simmers. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it. Keep mixing for about 3-4 minutes. Once thick, your homemade teriyaki sauce is ready to use! Yes, you can grill the turkey meatballs! Grilling gives them a nice smoky flavor. To do this, first, form the meatballs as you normally would. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Use skewers or a grill basket to keep them from falling through. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them until they are cooked through. Make sure their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After grilling, toss them in the teriyaki sauce for that delicious flavor! You now have all you need to make delicious Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect texture. Don’t forget the variations to suit your diet, whether gluten-free or dairy-free. Storing leftovers is easy, and reheating them keeps flavors fresh. With this guide, you can impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy making these meatballs, and don’t hesitate to experiment!

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a savory teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get around 20 meatballs.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and the cornstarch mix.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
  • Serve the teriyaki turkey meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Serve the meatballs on a large platter over a bed of steamed rice, drizzling extra teriyaki sauce over the top, and garnishing with sesame seeds and more green onions for color.
Keyword dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey