Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky-sweet garlic glaze that’s downright irresistible. Made with lean ground turkey and a simple homemade sauce, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even holiday appetizers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both healthy and satisfying. The turkey meatballs come out tender every time, and the honey garlic sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and umami. They’re incredibly versatile—I serve them over rice, toss them into stir-fries, or pile them onto toothpicks for a party platter. Best of all, they come together with pantry staples and take minimal time to prepare.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground turkey
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (or panko)
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped or grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)

For the honey garlic sauce:

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Water
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, I combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. I mix just until combined—overmixing can make them tough.
3. I form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, and place them on the baking sheet.
4. I bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
5. While the meatballs are baking, I make the sauce: In a small saucepan, I combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. I bring it to a simmer.
6. I mix cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. I cook it for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
7. Once the meatballs are done, I transfer them to a pan or bowl and toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until fully coated.
8. I serve them hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 meatballs and serves 4 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake, and another 5–10 minutes for the sauce. Total time: approximately 40–45 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped green onions or parsley to the meat mixture for freshness.
• A pinch of chili flakes or sriracha in the sauce gives a sweet-spicy kick.
• I use ground chicken instead of turkey when that’s what I have on hand.
• For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• I shape the meat mixture into patties and turn them into turkey sliders with a drizzle of sauce on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the sauce smooth. These also freeze beautifully—cooked and cooled meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. I reheat from frozen in the oven or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, I sometimes cook them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Baking is easier for large batches, but pan-frying gives a nice sear.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

I often serve them over white or brown rice, but they’re also great with noodles, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. They make a great appetizer with toothpicks, too.

How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?

I make sure not to overmix the meat, and I include moist ingredients like grated onion and egg. The sauce also helps keep them juicy after cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often bake the meatballs and store them separately from the sauce, combining and reheating just before serving.

Is it okay to use frozen turkey?

Yes, I just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of any excess liquid before mixing into the meatball mixture.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are one of my favorite go-to meals. They’re quick, full of flavor, and easy to customize to whatever I’m craving. Whether I’m feeding the family on a weeknight or prepping lunch for the week, this recipe never fails to satisfy.

Print