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Looking for a tasty twist on classic meatballs? You’re in the right place! My Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are simple to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or a kitchen newbie, this recipe has you covered. From easy prep steps to delicious serving ideas, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a savory and aromatic taste that elevates the turkey meatballs.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Healthier Alternative: Ground turkey is a leaner option compared to beef or pork, making these meatballs a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: These teriyaki turkey meatballs can be served over rice, in a wrap, or even as an appetizer, offering versatility for any meal.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
To make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, you need these main ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
– 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Cooked rice (for serving)
These ingredients create a perfect mix of flavors. The ground turkey keeps it lean, while the ginger and garlic add zest. Soy sauce and honey give a sweet and salty taste.
Optional ingredients and substitutions
If you want to change things up, consider these options:
– Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor.
– Swap out panko for regular breadcrumbs if needed.
– Try adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
– Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a lighter taste.
These swaps keep the dish tasty while allowing for personal preferences.
Suggested sides and accompaniments
Serve your Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs with these delicious sides:
– Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas
– A fresh green salad for a crisp bite
– Noodles tossed in sesame oil for extra flavor
Pairing these sides enhances the meal and adds balance. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the baking sheet
First, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the meatballs bake evenly. Next, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup after cooking. You can also use a silicone mat if you have one.
Mixing and forming meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, I add the ground turkey and breadcrumbs. Then, I grate fresh ginger and mince the garlic. I chop the green onions and add them to the bowl. After that, I sprinkle in black pepper and pour in one tablespoon of soy sauce. I mix everything well with my hands until it’s all blended. Next, I form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in size. I place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have space between them.
Baking and preparing the teriyaki sauce
I bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and lightly browned. While they bake, I prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, I whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. I cook this over medium heat. I stir it constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, I take them out of the oven and put them in a mixing bowl. I pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over them and gently toss to coat.
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for forming meatballs
To shape perfect meatballs, keep your hands wet. This stops the mixture from sticking. Use about one tablespoon of the mixture for each meatball. Roll it gently into a ball. Don’t compact them too much; light and airy meatballs cook better.
How to ensure meatballs stay moist
Ground turkey is lean, so it can dry out. To avoid this, add breadcrumbs and grated ginger. These ingredients help trap moisture. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to the mixture. Always bake until they reach 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Enhancing flavor with additional ingredients
You can boost flavor by adding crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil make great additions too. Consider mixing in a dash of sesame oil for a nutty hint. These tweaks can elevate your meatballs and impress your guests.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the flavor of your meatballs significantly. Avoid using powdered versions for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the teriyaki sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet.
- Serve with Fresh Veggies: Pair the meatballs with steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a healthy, balanced meal.

Variations
Turkey meatball alternatives (e.g., chicken, beef)
If you want to try other meats, you can use ground chicken or beef. Chicken gives a lighter taste. Beef adds a richer flavor. Both options work well with the teriyaki sauce. You may need to adjust cooking times depending on the meat you choose. Always ensure they are cooked through.
Different sauces to try
While teriyaki sauce is tasty, you can switch it up. Consider using sweet and sour sauce for a tangy twist. BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor that’s great for grilling. You can even try a spicy sriracha sauce if you love heat. Each sauce creates a unique dish that still feels familiar.
Unique serving suggestions
Serve your meatballs in different ways to keep it fun. Try making meatball sandwiches with crusty bread. You can also add them to a salad for a fresh meal. Another great idea is to serve them on skewers for a fun appetizer. These options make your meal feel new and exciting every time.
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
After you enjoy your teriyaki turkey meatballs, store the leftovers safely. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the meatballs cool down first. This helps keep them fresh and tasty.
Freezing meatballs and sauce
If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in freezer bags or containers. You can freeze the teriyaki sauce too. Just make sure to leave some space in the containers. This lets the sauce expand. Frozen meatballs and sauce can last up to three months.
Reheating tips
When you’re ready to eat your frozen meatballs, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, microwave them for about a minute. Stir them halfway through for even heating. You can also reheat them on the stove over low heat. Just add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
Can I make teriyaki turkey meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Making teriyaki turkey meatballs ahead saves time. You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them. Just cook them, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Afterward, store them in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you always have a tasty meal ready.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try coconut aminos. It has a similar flavor but is less salty. Another option is tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. You can also mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and water for a different taste. Each substitute gives a unique twist to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make teriyaki turkey meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko is a great choice if it’s gluten-free. Also, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check any sauces you use to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these flavorful meatballs!
You learned how to make tasty teriyaki turkey meatballs. We covered ingredients, from main to optional ones. You now know how to mix and bake the meatballs while making sauce. I shared tips to keep them moist and flavorful. You also found variations for meat and sauce types. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. Enjoy this dish, and get creative with your own flavor
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 0.25 cup grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 serving cooked rice (for serving)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated ginger, minced garlic, green onions, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well until fully combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes. Stir consistently to avoid burning.
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
Place the teriyaki-coated meatballs on a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve over warm cooked rice.
Serve with additional green onions for garnish.
Keyword dinner, easy, meatballs, teriyaki, turkey
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