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 a tender, juicy meatball glazed with a sticky, flavorful sauce that sings with Asian spices. This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is exactly that—light yet packed with bold flavors, and honestly, a recipe that’s become a go-to crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

A white bowl filled with three main parts: on the left side, a layer of glossy brown meatballs topped with green onion slices and white sesame seeds; on the right side, a pile of cooked brown rice mixed with some dark sauce and scattered green onion pieces; and at the back, a cluster of bright green broccoli florets. The bowl sits 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

What I adore about this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is how effortlessly it combines healthy ingredients with crave-worthy flavors. Plus, it’s pretty quick to whip up, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and casual dinner parties.

Lean but Juicy: Using ground turkey keeps these meatballs lighter but they never feel dry or boring.
Sweet & Savory Sauce: The glaze balances honey, soy, and ginger for that classic Asian sweet-savory combo that you’ll find yourself licking off your fingers.
Simple & Adaptable: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can easily customize it to your taste or swap proteins.
Fun to Make & Serve: These bite-sized meatballs are perfect appetizers, dinner, or party snacks that impress every time.

The image shows a white bowl filled with many small, round meatballs covered in a shiny, dark brown sauce. Each meatball has a smooth but slightly bumpy texture with small green bits inside, and they are topped with sprinkled white sesame seeds and thin green onion slices. The sauce pools at the bottom of the bowl, giving a glossy look to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe come together to deliver amazing texture and an irresistible depth of flavor. From fresh ginger to whole wheat panko, each one plays a key role, so don’t skip the details when shopping for them.

Flat lay of a small pile of raw ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, one whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium soy sauce, peeled fresh ginger root with a small pile of fresh grated ginger next to it, a single garlic bulb with several peeled garlic cloves, two fresh green onions sliced and whole green onions for garnish, a small white ceramic bowl of honey, a small white ceramic bowl of sesame oil, a few black peppercorns scattered neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl containing crushed red chili flakes, all arranged symmetrically 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 absorbs the seasoning well — but you can try ground chicken, pork, or beef if you prefer.
Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Gives the meatballs a nice light texture without being too dense or heavy.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the meatballs hold shape without falling apart.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings that essential umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the whole dish; fresh is best but ground ginger works in a pinch.
Garlic: A must-have for that familiar savory aroma and flavor punch.
Green onions: Freshness and a mild onion bite inside the meatballs and for garnish.
Honey: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce beautifully, balancing the soy and ginger.
Beef broth or water: Adds depth to the sauce—beef broth if you want richer flavor, water for a lighter touch.
Sesame oil: A little drop gives a toasty, nutty finish that screams Asian cuisine.
Crushed red chili flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like your meatballs with a bit of heat.
Cornstarch and water (optional): Used to thicken the sauce if you like it a bit more glossy and clingy.

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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

One of the things I love is how easy it is to make this recipe your own. I often tweak the sauce depending on my mood or what I have on hand—sometimes I add a splash of rice vinegar or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground turkey for pork if I want richer meatballs, and they turn out just as delicious.
Low-Sodium Swap: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist that’s just as tasty.
Veggie Boost: Grate a carrot or zucchini into the mix to sneak in extra veggies without changing the flavor much.
Heat Factor: If you like things spicy, add more crushed red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

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

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Gently

Start by combining ground turkey, panko, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. I like to use my hands for mixing—gently, so the meatballs don’t become tough. Overworking the meat is a common pitfall, so just mix until combined.

Step 2: Form and Cook Your Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs, about the size of a walnut. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through—this usually takes around 10 minutes. Turning them carefully helps keep their shape intact.

Step 3: Make the Sauce and Glaze

In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, beef broth (or water), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes until well combined. If you want the sauce thicker, stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook an extra minute until glossy.

Step 4: Toss Meatballs in the Sauce

Carefully add cooked meatballs into the sauce and toss gently so they’re evenly coated. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes to soak up those flavors before turning off the heat.

Top Tip

From my own cooking adventures, I learned that the key to juicy meatballs is to not overmix and to moderate the heat when cooking. These tips will keep your meatballs tender and flavorful every time.

Gentle Mixing: Handle the turkey gently to prevent tough meatballs—it’s lean and delicate.
Medium Heat Cooking: Cook on medium heat to avoid drying out the meat while ensuring a nice brown crust.
Sauce Thickening: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps and get a silky smooth glaze.
Rest Before Serving: Let meatballs sit in the sauce off heat for a few minutes to absorb flavors fully.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Asian glazed turkey meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always top these meatballs with extra sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It adds color, crunch, and a fresh burst that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

These go hand-in-hand with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. I also love pairing them with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I serve these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs on cocktail picks with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. Or try layering them over a bed of Asian slaw for a colorful, crunchy bite that feels special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or simply saving time for later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing these meatballs before glazing. Pop uncooked, shaped meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, cook straight from frozen and make the sauce fresh—easy and convenient!

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the meatballs gently in a skillet with the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally so they don’t dry out. Alternatively, microwave covered for short bursts until hot, but the stove method keeps the flavors freshest.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully and will give you a slightly different but equally tasty result. Just be mindful of cooking times since chicken can dry out faster.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, whisk together cornstarch and cold water before stirring it into the simmering sauce. This helps avoid lumps and creates a lovely, glossy glaze that clings to the meatballs.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just cook and glaze when you’re ready to serve for the freshest bite.

What side dishes pair best with these meatballs?

Steamed jasmine rice, Asian-style slaws, or simple cucumber salads dressed in rice vinegar complement the flavors beautifully and add fresh, crunchy textures to the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe isn't just dinner, it's an experience. Every time I make it, the balance of sweet and savory, the fresh zing of ginger, and the satisfying texture remind me why simple, thoughtful cooking is the best kind. I encourage you to try it soon—it might just become your next favorite meal to share with family or friends.