Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings bold flavor without any fuss, this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy turkey meatballs baked to perfection, coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki glaze with just the right balance of sweet and savory — it’s comfort food that feels special. Plus, with fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame, every bite bursts with inviting Asian-inspired goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you! Each component in this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe plays a crucial role — whether it’s building the tender texture of the meatballs or layering in the deep, luscious flavors of the sauce.

• 16 ounces lean ground turkey: Provides a healthy, lean protein base that stays juicy when baked right.
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs: Adds the perfect lightness and helps the meatballs hold together without getting dense.
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped: Fresh and mild, it lends a subtle onion punch and lovely color bits throughout.
• 1 large egg: Acts as the binder, keeping the meatballs tender and unified.
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger): A zesty spice that brings warmth and brightness to the meat mixture.
• 1 garlic clove, pressed: For that unmistakable savory kick that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses a rich, nutty aroma right into the meatballs for an authentic touch.
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed: Provides the sweet backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds complexity with a deep, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings the essential salty umami depth that ties the sauce together.
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil: Used in the sauce to echo the nutty undertones and enhance flavor.
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced: Delivers a sharp garlic hit to balance sweetness in the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger): Adds fresh zest to brighten the rich sauce.
• Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish: Give a lovely crunch, color contrast, and fresh bite at the end.

How to Make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil. Prepping the oven and pan ahead ensures your meatballs cook evenly and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, finely chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil. Be careful not to overmix — just combine until everything comes together to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Keeping them similar in size guarantees they’ll bake consistently without drying out.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs on your lined baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C), ensuring they’re cooked through but still juicy inside.

Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, combine the brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld into a luscious glaze.

Step 6: Toss and Coat

Once the meatballs come out of the oven, carefully toss them in the warm teriyaki sauce to coat every bite in that irresistibly sticky, shiny goodness. This is where the magic happens and your Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe truly shines.

How to Serve Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and some sliced green onions over the sauced meatballs. These finishing touches add a delightful crunch and fresh pop of color that make the dish visually inviting and texturally interesting.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or a bed of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve them over soba noodles or alongside a crunchy Asian slaw to add freshness and variety to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the meatballs on skewers as a party appetizer, drizzling extra teriyaki sauce on top. Or serve them with toothpicks on a platter for a fun finger food experience. Even tossing them into lettuce cups with a sprinkle of chili flakes brings an exciting twist to this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover meatballs completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy the deliciousness again without any hassle.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce over medium heat, or microwave them covered until heated through. This will help keep them moist and flavorful without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works great in this recipe and will still yield tender meatballs, though turkey has a slightly richer flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Is panko bread crumbs necessary?

Panko helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in the meatballs. You can substitute with regular bread crumbs, but the meatballs might turn out denser and less airy.

How spicy is this Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe?

The recipe is mild and sweet by nature, focusing on that classic teriyaki flavor. If you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this recipe gluten-friendly.

What is the best way to serve these meatballs for a party?

Serving the Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe as bite-sized appetizers on skewers with a side of extra dipping sauce is a crowd-pleaser and makes them easy to enjoy while mingling.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner or bringing them to a gathering, they always impress and disappear fast. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your rotation of quick, tasty meals everyone loves.

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 45 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Teriyaki Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring lean ground turkey combined with aromatic ginger, garlic, and green onions. Baked to perfection and coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main course with a delicious Asian-inspired glaze.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 16 ounces lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger)

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Green onion, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Make meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, finely chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Bake meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) and are cooked through.
4. Make sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Combine and serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the warm teriyaki sauce until fully coated. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional sliced green onion to add freshness and a bit of crunch. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use lean ground turkey for healthier meatballs, but ground chicken or pork can be substituted.
• Make sure not to overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian