Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

The sweet and savory aroma of honey garlic sauce simmering on the stovetop is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The combination of sticky honey, rich soy sauce, and fragrant garlic creates a sauce that perfectly coats each turkey meatball, giving it a luscious, glazed finish that’s simply irresistible. As the meatballs cook, they absorb all those delicious flavors, turning tender and juicy on the inside while remaining golden and slightly crispy on the outside. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, comforting yet packed with bold, zesty flavors.

One of the best parts about these honey garlic turkey meatballs is their versatility. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at your next party, pair them with steamed rice for a quick dinner, or even add them to a salad for a lighter meal, they always shine. I’ve found that they’re a crowd-pleaser every time, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, making it perfect for dipping, or drizzling over vegetables for a little extra flavor boost.

And let’s not forget how easy they are to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these turkey meatballs in no time. They come together quickly, with minimal prep work, and then they take a leisurely bath in that gorgeous honey garlic sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but doesn’t take a lot of effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to treat yourself to something special.

Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

To create these irresistible honey garlic turkey meatballs, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver both flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial part in ensuring these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfectly glazed with that mouthwatering sauce. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this simple yet satisfying dish:

• Ground turkey
  The star of the show! Ground turkey keeps these meatballs lean while still being juicy. It provides a neutral base that lets the garlic and honey shine through without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic, minced
  Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse that adds savory depth to both the meatballs and the sauce. Its fragrance as it cooks fills your kitchen with the promise of something delicious.
• Breadcrumbs
  Breadcrumbs act as the binding agent, helping the meatballs hold together while adding just the right amount of softness and moisture. They ensure that the texture of each bite is light and tender.
• Grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan brings a rich, nutty flavor to the meatballs. It’s not just for taste—it also contributes to the meatball’s structure, making them firm but tender.
• Egg
  The egg works as a binder, holding everything together and adding moisture. It helps the meatballs maintain their shape while they cook, so you get perfectly formed bites every time.
• Fresh parsley, chopped
  Parsley is the fresh, vibrant note that lightens up the meatballs and adds a pop of color. It brings a hint of herbal freshness to balance the savory richness of the other ingredients.
• Salt
  A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the meatballs and sauce. It’s essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the honey and the depth of the soy sauce.
• Black pepper
  Black pepper adds a subtle heat and warmth, creating a perfect balance with the sweetness of the honey and the savory elements in the sauce.
• Olive oil
  Olive oil adds richness to the meatballs and helps them achieve a golden, crispy exterior. It’s also used to sauté the garlic, infusing it with flavor before it hits the sauce.
• Honey
  Honey is the sweet and sticky hero of the sauce. It provides that luscious glaze that makes each meatball shine with a silky, sweet finish that balances the savory soy sauce.
• Soy sauce
  Soy sauce gives the honey garlic sauce its deep, umami flavor. It’s what brings that salty richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey, creating a sauce that’s both savory and sweet.
• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the sauce and cuts through the sweetness of the honey, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Sesame oil
  Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic flavor to the sauce. It’s the ingredient that adds that little extra something, giving the dish an unmistakable depth and warmth.

Each ingredient is essential to creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy in both the meatballs and the sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

• Pair with Steamed Rice
  Nothing beats the combination of these sweet and savory meatballs with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the sticky sauce, making each bite feel like a comforting, flavorful moment. I love using jasmine rice for its light, fragrant texture, but any variety will work wonders!
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables
  For a lighter, veggie-packed meal, serve your honey garlic turkey meatballs alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. The natural sweetness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor. You can even drizzle a little extra sauce over the veggies for added goodness.
• Add to a Salad
  For a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the meatballs, toss them into a bed of mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. A light vinaigrette dressing balances the sweetness of the sauce, turning this dish into a flavorful, satisfying salad that works perfectly for a quick lunch or dinner.

These honey garlic turkey meatballs are so versatile—whether you’re craving something comforting or looking for a lighter option, they’re sure to hit the spot!

How to Store Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

If you happen to have any leftovers (and that’s a big “if” because they’re so delicious!), storing them properly will help preserve all that tasty goodness for the next day. The best way to keep these honey garlic turkey meatballs fresh is to let them cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, making sure the meatballs are snug but not stacked too high to avoid them getting squished. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and when you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 to 2 hours. Afterward, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can pull out just the right amount whenever you’re craving a quick meal. When reheating from frozen, just simmer them in the sauce on the stovetop until heated through, and they’ll taste just as good as when they were first made!

If you prefer to store the sauce separately, that’s a great option too. Simply keep the sauce in a small container and refrigerate it for up to a week. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but a quick reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop will bring it right back to that luscious, pourable consistency. You’ll be ready to enjoy your honey garlic turkey meatballs whenever the craving strikes!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—everything you need to make these mouthwatering honey garlic turkey meatballs right in the comfort of your own kitchen! From the golden-brown meatballs that burst with flavor to the sweet and savory sauce that ties it all together, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation. It’s easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or bringing it to a gathering.

I hope you give these meatballs a try, and if you do, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you serve them with rice, veggies, or maybe on top of a salad? What was your favorite part of the recipe? Feel free to leave a comment below with any thoughts or questions you may have—I’m always here to help. And if you made them, I’d love to hear how it went!

Until next time, happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Print Recipe

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 350

Description

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are tender and juicy, glazed in a sweet, savory honey-garlic sauce that’s perfectly balanced. With each bite, you get a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. A must-try for any meal!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until it is fully incorporated.
4. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Cook the meatballs for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown all over.
8. Transfer the browned meatballs back to the baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
10. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil.
11. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer and slightly thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
12. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce is ready.
13. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the sauce.
14. Toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
15. Serve the honey garlic turkey meatballs hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Note

• Ground turkey can be slightly lean, so adding a little olive oil to the meatball mixture can help keep them moist.
• To make the meatballs extra flavorful, you can add some dried Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatball mixture.
• You can swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles to make a complete meal.

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