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 incredibly satisfying about biting into tender, flavorful meatballs glazed with that perfect sticky sauce. This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe hits that sweet spot between savory and slightly sweet, all while being lighter than your usual meatball fare. You’re going to love how simple and quick it is to whip up!

A white bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked rice with some dark sauce drizzled on top and green onion pieces scattered; on one side, bright green broccoli florets with a fresh texture sit closely together; on the other side, small round meatballs coated in a shiny dark brown sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds and sliced green onions complete the dish; the bowl rests 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

This recipe has become my go-to when I want a healthy, delicious dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly. The combination of tender turkey and the tangy, honey-soy glaze is addictive. Plus, these meatballs freeze well, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Lean and Healthy: Using ground turkey keeps these meatballs light without sacrificing flavor.
Sticky, Flavorful Sauce: The Asian-inspired glaze perfectly coats each bite, balancing sweet, salty, and a hint of heat.
Easy Prep: Ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
Versatile: You can serve these meatballs over rice, noodles, or enjoy as appetizers.

The image shows a white bowl filled with multiple shiny, golden-brown meatballs covered in a thick dark brown sauce. The meatballs are small, round, and garnished with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices scattered on and around them. The sauce is rich and glossy, pooling in the bottom of the bowl, contrasting with the bright white bowl and making the meatballs stand out. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how all the ingredients come together to create a recipe that’s flavorful but still wholesome. The panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and tender, while the ginger and garlic bring that unmistakable Asian flair. When shopping, fresh ginger really elevates the dish, but ground works in a pinch.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground turkey, a small mound of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl with low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl with golden honey, a small white bowl with clear beef broth, a small white bowl with amber sesame oil, fresh ginger root and a small pile of freshly grated ginger, several cloves of garlic whole and minced garlic in a small white bowl, two whole green onions with sliced green onion rings arranged beside them, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl with crushed red chili flakes, and a small white bowl with cornstarch alongside a small white bowl with water, sesame seeds scattered neatly on a simple white ceramic plate placed 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 spices and stays tender with breadcrumbs mixed in.
Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Adds light texture and keeps meatballs from being dense.
Egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together perfectly.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Gives that umami depth without being overly salty.
Fresh grated ginger: Lends a fresh, zesty warmth that brightens the flavor.
Garlic: Adds savory punch in both meatballs and sauce.
Green onions: Freshness and subtle crunch, plus great garnish.
Honey: Balances the savory with a subtle natural sweetness in the glaze.
Beef broth (or water): Helps build the sauce base to coat the meatballs beautifully.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasty character to the sauce, making it unmistakably Asian-inspired.
Crushed red chili flakes (optional): For that gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.

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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

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is incredibly forgiving, which makes it perfect to tailor to your tastes or what you have on hand. I often tweak the glaze by bumping up the honey if I want a sweeter finish, or toss in extra chili flakes when I’m craving some heat.

Variation: Swap the Protein I’ve used ground chicken or pork when turkey was sold out, and it works just as well—just watch cooking times as pork can be a bit fattier.
Vegetarian Twist For a meat-free spin, try firm tofu crumbled with panko and seasonings, then bake or pan-fry and glaze the same way.
Mild or Spicy Adjust the red chili flakes or omit them entirely depending on your heat tolerance.
Extra Veggies Stir some finely grated carrot or shredded cabbage into the meatball mix for some hidden greens.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients Gently

Start by combining the ground turkey with panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions in a bowl. I find mixing gently with my hands gives the best texture—overworking the meat can make the balls tough. When it’s just combined, it’s ready to shape.

Step 2: Shape and Brown Your Meatballs

I like making meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter, so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Heat a nonstick skillet with a little oil and brown the meatballs in batches, turning carefully so they get a nice crust all over. This step adds flavor and helps the meatballs keep their shape before glazing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Glaze and Simmer

In the same pan (no need to clean it!), mix together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Let it come to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with water and stir it in.

Step 4: Coat the Meatballs and Finish Cooking

Add the browned meatballs back into the simmering sauce. Spoon the glaze over them and let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens beautifully. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these tricks to get the best texture and flavor from this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe. These simple tips can save you from a dry or mushy outcome and make your glaze shine:

Don’t Overmix the Meat: It’s tempting to keep stirring, but combining only until everything is just blended keeps meatballs tender.
Use Fresh Ginger: The zingy aroma of fresh ginger makes a noticeable difference compared to ground.
Brown Meatballs Before Simmering: This adds flavor and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.
Simmer Gently: Too high heat can toughen turkey, so keep simmer low and slow for juicy results.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I never serve these without a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. The green onions add a fresh crunch and bright color, while the sesame seeds bring texture and that toasty nuttiness that plays well with the glaze.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve these meatballs is over steamed jasmine rice or with a bed of sautéed bok choy or snap peas. You can also serve them with soft noodles tossed in sesame oil and a handful of chopped peanuts for a crowd-pleasing bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual dinner, try stacking these meatballs on skewers with chunks of pineapple and bell peppers, then glaze everything again before serving. It’s a fun finger food twist that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible and just reheat them together when ready to eat to avoid mushiness.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze wonderfully. I flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together. The glaze freezes well too, making it easy to pull out portions for quick meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps them juicy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and adds its own subtle flavor. Just be careful not to overcook as chicken can dry out quickly.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, mix ½ tablespoon cornstarch with ½ tablespoon water and stir it into the simmering sauce. This will give you a glossy, clingy sauce perfect for coating the meatballs.

Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly when ready.

What can I serve with these Asian glazed turkey meatballs?

They’re beautiful over steamed rice, tossed with noodles, or alongside sautéed or steamed veggies like bok choy or snap peas. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for best flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is one I always come back to when I want a meal that tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, these meatballs bring comfort and a little something special to the table. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your favorites too!