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
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
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
