Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Looking for a quick, tasty, and family-friendly dinner? Say hello to Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs! Juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy sweet-salty glaze, these little bites are bursting with flavor thanks to soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey. The best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious on the table.

If you enjoyed my Spicy Chicken Tacos, you’ll love these too. They’re just as easy to make but bring a totally different flavor profile to your kitchen. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this new weeknight favorite!

What Are Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs?

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name—these meatballs are as approachable as it gets. Imagine tender ground turkey seasoned with ginger, garlic, and scallions, cooked to golden perfection, and then coated in a shiny, sticky glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors.

It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet simple enough to whip up at home. In short: comforting, flavorful, and perfect for spicing up your dinner routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. The Glaze is Everything – Sweet, savory, and a little tangy, it transforms simple meatballs into something unforgettable.

2. Budget-Friendly Gourmet – Skip the takeout and enjoy an impressive dish at home without overspending.

3. Customizable Garnish – Sesame seeds, scallions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes make the presentation (and flavor) pop!

Love these flavors? Be sure to try my Teriyaki Chicken Skewers next!

How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Quick Overview

Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 20 minutes—dinner in less than 30 minutes! The secret is keeping the meatballs tender while letting the glaze caramelize just enough to coat them beautifully.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Meatballs: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, ginger, garlic, green onions, and egg in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Shape: Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.

3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Cook the Meatballs: In a non-stick skillet, cook meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through.

5. Glaze & Finish: Pour glaze over the cooked meatballs. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until fully coated.

6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine alongside:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• A crisp cucumber salad

• Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or peppers

• Green tea or sparkling water for a light pairing

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatball mix a day early; just cover and refrigerate.

• Switch Proteins: Ground chicken or lean beef works just as well.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.

• Avoid Overcooking: Remove from heat once cooked through to prevent dryness.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (best to freeze cooked meatballs without glaze, then reheat and toss in fresh glaze).

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to keep them juicy.

 With these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs, you’ll bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table in no time. Quick, simple, and crowd-pleasing—this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

These savory meatballs are a delightful blend of juicy turkey and a sweet-savory glaze that makes for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Cooking

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the glaze over them in the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Serving

1. Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to mix the turkey and spices a day before and refrigerate until ready to shape and cook. If you don’t have ground turkey, chicken or lean beef works well too. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.