Name: Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/3 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 green onions, sliced; Garnish: extra green onions and sesame seeds; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup beef broth or water; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional); 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 Tbsp water

There’s something utterly satisfying about the perfect bite of tender meatballs glazed in a tangy, sweet-savory sauce. This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is exactly that—a dish that’s easy to whip up but packs a punch with every mouthful. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, it’s worth making it your go-to.

A white bowl filled with three main parts: on the left side, a layer of glossy brown meatballs topped with green onion slices and white sesame seeds; on the right side, a pile of cooked brown rice mixed with some dark sauce and scattered green onion pieces; and at the back, a cluster of bright green broccoli florets. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these meatballs. They’re juicy, flavorful, and that glaze? It’s like a little party on your taste buds. It’s quick enough for busy nights but special enough to impress. I keep coming back to it because it’s just that good.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have, so it’s hassle-free to make.
Lean Protein Power: Ground turkey keeps it light without skimping on flavor or moisture.
Luscious Glaze: The sauce is perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and a hint of spice that keeps you coming back for more.
Versatility: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even on a salad or rice bowl.

The image shows a white bowl filled with many small, round meatballs covered in a shiny, dark brown sauce. Each meatball has a smooth but slightly bumpy texture with small green bits inside, and they are topped with sprinkled white sesame seeds and thin green onion slices. The sauce pools at the bottom of the bowl, giving a glossy look to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a neat balance between flavors and textures thanks to the thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Ground turkey keeps the meatballs light and moist, while the panko breadcrumbs give them just enough structure for the ideal bite. The sauce ingredients come together to create that addictive glaze that clings to each meatball perfectly.

Flat lay of a small pile of raw ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, one whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium soy sauce, peeled fresh ginger root with a small pile of fresh grated ginger next to it, a single garlic bulb with several peeled garlic cloves, two fresh green onions sliced and whole green onions for garnish, a small white ceramic bowl of honey, a small white ceramic bowl of sesame oil, a few black peppercorns scattered neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl containing crushed red chili flakes, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up the flavors in the sauce beautifully and keeps the meatballs tender.
Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Adds light texture and prevents the meatballs from becoming dense.
Egg: Acts like glue so the meatballs hold together without falling apart.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
Fresh grated ginger: Brings a zesty, fresh brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Garlic: Essential for that savory punch in both meatballs and glaze.
Green onions: Add a subtle onion flavor and fresh crunch.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps it caramelize for that beautiful glaze.
Beef broth (or water): Deepens flavor but keeps sauce balanced.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that feels authentically Asian.
Crushed red chili flakes: Optional, but I love the gentle heat it adds to cut through the sweetness.
Cornstarch (optional): Perfect if you want a thicker, clingier sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. I like to experiment with different proteins and heat levels depending on the day—feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap ground turkey for chicken or even pork for a richer flavor. It works just as well and keeps the dish fresh each time.
Spice Level: If you love a little kick, I bump up the red chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha to the glaze.
Make It Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. The result is just as delicious.
Serving Style: These meatballs shine as finger food or tossed with steamed rice and veggies, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix it up gently but thoroughly

Start by combining ground turkey, panko, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions in a bowl. I find the secret to juicy meatballs is to mix until just combined—overworking makes them tough. Use your hands for the best feel, but keep it gentle!

Step 2: Form perfectly sized meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. I like this size because they cook evenly and are easy to eat one or two at a time. Place them on a lined baking sheet and keep things neat for an easy transfer to the pan.

Step 3: Brown and cook meatballs in a skillet

Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Brown on all sides until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes total. This step seals in moisture and develops a beautiful crust.

Step 4: Whip up the luscious glaze

While the meatballs are cooking, mix soy sauce, beef broth, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, pepper, and chili flakes in a small pot. Simmer gently until aromatic and combined. For a thicker glaze, whisk in a cornstarch slurry toward the end.

Step 5: Coat and serve

Drop the cooked meatballs into the glaze and toss gently to coat each one. Let them simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the glaze thickens further. I love this finishing touch—it really makes all the difference.

Top Tip

From my experience making Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe, a few key tips ensure you end up with juicy, perfectly glazed bites every time.

Don’t Overmix the Meat: I learned the hard way that vigorous mixing makes the turkey tough. Gentle folding keeps it tender.
Brown Before Simmering: Browning the meatballs first locks in moisture and adds those irresistible caramelized notes.
Glaze Timing: Coat meatballs in the glaze just at the end; simmering too long can dry them out.
Sweet-Honey Balance: Adjust honey to your taste; start with less if you prefer a less sweet and more soy-forward glaze.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Asian Glazed Meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about those little finishing touches that make a dish pop. For these meatballs, I sprinkle plenty of extra sliced green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds right before serving. It adds freshness and a subtle crunch that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, I love pairing these meatballs with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if I’m keeping it low-carb. Quick stir-fried veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli make a perfect crisp, colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served these on skewers at a party, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist. It was a hit! You can also nestle them atop a noodle salad or use them as sliders with Asian-style buns for a fun appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the glaze separate if you want to maintain that fresh, saucy finish when reheating.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! I lay meatballs individually on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want them, reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven, then add fresh glaze right before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out, then toss in the glaze for that sticky, mouthwatering finish. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge, then cook and glaze them just before serving for maximum freshness.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ground turkey?

Ground chicken, pork, or even beef work well as substitutes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since fattier meats may cook differently.

How spicy is the Asian glaze?

The glaze has a gentle warmth from red chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Omit for mild or increase for a bolder kick. It’s very customizable.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m short on time but want to serve something truly delicious. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do—so grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!