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Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Print Recipe
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , finely grated
  • 3 scallions , finely sliced whites and greens divided
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce for the meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
glaze
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce optional but delish
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce adjust to heat tolerance
  • 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch whisked with 2 teaspoons cold water
To finish
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra scallion greens , thinly sliced
  • Lime wedges optional, but highly recommended

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly oil it so nothing sticks.
  2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, panko, egg, garlic, ginger, scallion whites, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork or your hands until just combined—don't overwork it unless you like bouncy meatballs (you don't).
  3. Scoop into 1.5-inch balls (about 24 meatballs). Lightly wet hands to keep things from sticking. Arrange evenly on the sheet.
  4. Cook for 14–16 minutes, until lightly browned and the center hits 165°F. They'll finish in the glaze, so don't overdo it.
  5. While baking, whisk soy, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and water in a skillet over medium heat. Once it simmers, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  6. Add baked meatballs to the skillet. Turn to coat and simmer 1–2 minutes to let the glaze cling like it means it.
  7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion greens. A squeeze of lime over the top? Chef's kiss.
  8. Plate with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Add quick-pickled cucumbers or steamed broccoli if you're feeling balanced. Or not—your kitchen, your rules.