Name: Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground turkey breast; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp kosher salt; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar; 1 tbsp corn starch; 3/4 cup water; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger (fresh grated or paste); Sesame seeds; Scallions, sliced thin

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple, you’ve just stumbled upon a gem. My Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is one of those dishes that always impresses, whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together. From tender turkey meatballs infused with fragrant ginger and garlic to a sticky-sweet glaze that clings just right, this recipe never fails to deliver that comforting, crave-worthy bite. Stick with me—I’ll share everything you need to know to nail this dish and have your family asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed yet light: Using ground turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing juiciness thanks to the ginger and garlic punch.
Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this one perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Versatile dish: Great as a meal with rice and veggies or as appetizer bites at parties, you can’t go wrong!
Delicious sticky glaze: That hoisin and soy-based sauce brings a mouthwatering Asian flair everyone loves.

A white bowl filled with several round, golden-brown meatballs coated in a shiny dark brown sauce, each sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The bowl sits on a light wooden surface with two long green onion stalks placed diagonally beside it. The whole scene is set against a white marbled background, creating a fresh and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe lies in how these simple, fresh ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. I always suggest buying fresh garlic and scallions for the best aromatic punch, and take your time with the glaze—it’s where the magic happens!

Ground turkey breast: I like using breast meat for a lighter option, but the key is keeping the meatballs moist so they’re not dry.
Eggs: Acts as a binder to keep those meatballs together without falling apart during cooking.
Panko breadcrumbs: These help give the meatballs a tender texture without weighing them down like too much bread would.
Garlic: Adds that unforgettable aromatic note; fresh is best here, trust me.
Scallions: Fresh scallions bring a subtle onion flavor and a little crunch in the meatball mixture.
Ground ginger: Just a hint boosts that classic Asian vibe, and pairs beautifully with garlic.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Seasoning is everything—don’t skip or skimp!
Hoisin sauce: The sweet, tangy backbone of the glaze that gives it that trademark sticky goodness.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Adds umami while keeping the saltiness balanced.
Rice wine vinegar: A little acidity to cut through and brighten the glaze.
Corn starch: Helps the glaze thicken to that perfect sticky consistency.
Water: Used to mix and smooth out the glaze.
Extra garlic and fresh or paste ginger: For flavoring the glaze itself—double garlic never hurt anyone!
Sesame seeds and scallions (for garnish): Adds both visual appeal and that toasty, fresh crunch at the end.

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.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste or dietary needs. I often swap a few ingredients based on what I have at home or to suit different occasions.

Use ground chicken instead of turkey: I’ve done this many times and the flavor holds up beautifully—just keep that ginger and garlic generous for extra moisture.
Make it gluten-free: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add heat: My family loves a little kick, so I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy twist.
Double the glaze for dipping sauce: If you have extra glaze, serve it on the side—makes the meatballs even more irresistible.

How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground turkey, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped scallions, ground ginger, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands for this—it helps you feel the right consistency. You want the mixture sticky enough to hold together but not so wet it feels mushy. If it feels too loose, add a tiny sprinkle more breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for tender, well-formed meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter works best. I find this size perfect for even cooking and great for serving either as a main or appetizer. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

There are a couple of ways here depending on your preference: I usually pan-fry mine in a little oil over medium heat until they’re browned all over and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. You can also bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if you want a hands-off method. Whichever way you choose, just make sure they’re cooked thoroughly and juicy inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Asian Glaze

While the meatballs cook, whisk together the hoisin sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, corn starch, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. I discovered stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens—usually 4-5 minutes—is key to that luscious sticky finish. It’s the star of the show, so don’t rush this!

Step 5: Coat the Meatballs in the Glaze

Once your meatballs are cooked, toss them gently in the glaze until they’re evenly coated. The sticky sweetness will cling to each one, turning them irresistible. I like to sprinkle fresh sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top here for that extra pop of texture and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Room Temperature Meat: Letting the ground turkey come to room temperature before mixing helps the meatballs cook more evenly.
Don’t Overmix: I learned early on that overworking the meat can make meatballs tough; mix just until combined for tender results.
Watch Your Heat: Cooking meatballs on medium heat ensures a nice sear without drying out the turkey.
Glaze Thickness: If your glaze isn’t thick enough, add a tiny bit more corn starch mixed in water and heat a little longer.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl contains three main layers: a serving of light brown rice at the front bottom, bright green roasted green beans neatly stacked on the left side, and three golden-brown meatballs covered with a glossy dark brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion pieces on the right side. In the background, there's a white oval dish filled with more of the sauced meatballs, slightly blurred. All dishes are placed on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for toasted sesame seeds and extra thinly sliced scallions for garnish—that little crunch and fresh green color make the dish pop and bring bright flavor contrasts. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds a fun twist, especially for dinner parties.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier option. I also love pairing it with quick stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for freshness and crunch. Roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe on miniature wooden skewers for easy grab-and-go bites. Another fun trick is creating a meatball slider with soft buns and a smear of spicy mayo—always a crowd-pleaser and perfect finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you do this, make sure the meatballs are fully cooled before sealing the container to keep that glaze nice and sticky, not soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe! I recommend flash-freezing the cooked and glazed meatballs on a sheet pan, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can thaw just what you need for a quick meals later—super handy and lifesaving for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the glaze and keeps the meatballs juicy. Microwave works too in a pinch but takes more care to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I trust ground turkey for its lean texture, ground chicken, pork, or even a beef and pork blend can work nicely. Just keep in mind turkey is leaner, so you may want to adjust cooking times and moisture levels accordingly.
What’s the best way to keep turkey meatballs juicy?

Using panko breadcrumbs and eggs as binders, not overmixing the meat, and cooking over medium heat helps lock in moisture. Also, make sure not to overcook—turkey dries out quickly.
Can I make the Asian glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated gently. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the meatballs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as is, but it’s easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
What can I serve instead of rice?

Cauliflower rice or quinoa both make delicious low-carb alternatives and add a nice texture contrast to the saucy meatballs.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen—because it’s that perfect balance of easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients blended to create something that feels a little fancy but comes together in no time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see your family go crazy for these juicy, sticky meatballs. Once you do, I bet you’ll find yourself making them over and over!