These Ginger Glazed Turkey Meatball Bites are a tasty treat! Made with lean turkey and a sweet ginger glaze, they’re juicy and packed with flavor. Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer!
Who knew turkey could taste this good? I love making these for parties—everyone gets hooked! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps these meatballs light. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, ground chicken or even lean beef can be a good substitute.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs, but you can swap in panko for extra crunch or whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, ground ginger can work. Just use less—about 1/4 teaspoon per tablespoon of fresh ginger.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners enhance the glaze. You can use agave syrup or brown sugar in a pinch or to suit your taste.
Soy Sauce: For a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce, or try tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
To keep your turkey meatballs tender and juicy, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t overmix your meatball mixture. Just mix until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form meatballs gently with your hands or a scoop, and avoid compressing them too tightly.
- If baking, make sure to use a light amount of olive oil to help them brown without drying out.
Also, consider adding a splash of milk or broth to the meat mixture for extra moisture if desired. Enjoy these tips for perfectly juicy meatballs!
Ginger Glazed Turkey Meatball Bites
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or frying)
For the Ginger Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes for cooking, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you want something tasty, quick, and satisfying!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined, but try not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender and light.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or a baking sheet.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the meatballs on the sheet, leaving some space between them, drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden brown.
For Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches. Cook, turning them frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
4. Make the Ginger Glaze:
While the meatballs are cooking, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. Then remove from heat.
5. Glaze the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are cooked, place them in a large bowl (or keep them in the skillet on low heat). Pour the warm ginger glaze over them and gently toss to coat every meatball evenly.
6. Serve:
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle the top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Insert toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving and enjoy!
These Ginger Glazed Turkey Meatball Bites are sure to impress and are perfect for any gathering! Enjoy them hot and watch them disappear!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will yield similar results. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary slightly depending on the fat content.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari or certified gluten-free brands).
How Can I Make the Glaze Spicier?
If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the ginger glaze. Adjust to your spice preference for a nice kick!
