Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs are made with lean ground turkey and baked to perfection, then tossed in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a savory appetizer or a main dish with a side of rice or vegetables.
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 large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, finely chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil. Mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) and are cooked through.
- Make teriyaki sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the light brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Toss and garnish: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the warm teriyaki sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative to beef meatballs.
- Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Serve the meatballs with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
