Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious option for dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. Not only are they easy to make, but they also pack in protein and flavor that you can feel good about serving. The combination of ground turkey with sweet honey and tangy garlic creates a savory dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a family gathering. Additionally, they are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs made from beef or pork, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. You can serve these meatballs on their own, with pasta, or even as a tasty appetizer at parties.

How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Making Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs is simple and straightforward. You can whip them up in just a short time and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. Below are the steps to create these amazing meatballs along with what you will need.

Ingredients

To make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Follow these directions to make your Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure to mix these dry ingredients well to distribute the cheese evenly.

2. Add the Aromatics: Now, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl. The onion and garlic will give a beautiful flavor to the meatballs.

3. Incorporate the Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture. This will help bind all the ingredients together, creating a cohesive meatball.

4. Season the Mix: Pour in the soy sauce, and then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. These spices will ensure that your meatballs are flavorful.

5. Mix Everything Together: Using your hands or a spoon, carefully mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

6. Form the Meatballs: With clean hands, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Continue forming the meatballs until all the mixture is used up, which should yield around 20-24 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

7. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is well combined and starts bubbling, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

8. Simmer the Sauce: Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

9. Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, being cautious not to overcrowd them (you may need to cook in batches). Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides.

10. Coat with Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet and gently toss to coat them. Be careful not to break the meatballs. Everyone loves a good sauce!

11. Simmer and Serve: Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Serving Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs is as delightful as making them. Here are some ideas:

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• In a Submarine Roll: Place the meatballs into a toasted sub roll and add some melted cheese on top for a tasty meatball sandwich.

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter as a finger food or appetizer at parties. Just keep some toothpicks on the side for easy serving.

• With Pasta: Place the meatballs over your favorite pasta and drizzle with the honey garlic sauce for a delightful twist on spaghetti and meatballs.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness!

How to Store Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Leftover Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs can be stored easily:

• Refrigerator: Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer: If you have more than you can eat within a few days, you can freeze them. Place cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the skillet on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your meatball-making experience:

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meat mixture too much can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.

• Size Matters: For even cooking, try to make all your meatballs the same size. This ensures that every meatball cooks at the same rate.

• Test for Flavor: Before cooking all the meatballs, cook a small one in the skillet and taste it. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Use Lean Turkey: Ground turkey can vary in fat content. Using lean ground turkey will yield healthier meatballs but may also make them a little drier. Consider adding a splash more sauce if needed.

Variation

If you feel like changing things up, here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

• Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary instead of dried oregano and thyme for a different flavor profile.

• Add Veggies: You can sneak in some finely grated zucchini or carrots into the meatball mix for extra nutrients and moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, you can definitely use ground beef or any other ground meat. Just be aware that it may change the flavor and nutritional content.

2. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the whole wheat breadcrumbs.

3. Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes! Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Then toss them in the sauce.

4. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just cook them before serving.

5. What can I use instead of honey?
If you want to make it sugar-free, you can use a sugar substitute or maple syrup for a different flavor.

Making Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs is a satisfying and wholesome meal option. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that everyone loves. So get cooking, and enjoy every tasty bite!

Print