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, 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 or paste; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped scallions, for garnish

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, super satisfying, and surprisingly simple, you’re going to want to save this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe right now. I absolutely love how these meatballs come out tender and juicy but with that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze that just keeps you reaching for one more. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together a dish that tastes like something from a fancy restaurant—but you’ll find it’s a weeknight game-changer!

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Lean Meatballs: Using ground turkey keeps it light but moist, which is a personal favorite for healthier meals.
Sweet and Savory Glaze: The hoisin and soy sauce combo brings that umami-packed flavor punch everyone craves.
Super Easy to Make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights.
Great for Entertaining: These meatballs are a hit at parties and can be served as finger food or with rice for a full meal.

A white bowl contains three sections of food: on the left, a group of long, green roasted green beans with a slightly wrinkled texture; next to them at the bottom, a serving of light brown cooked rice with a soft, grainy look; on the right side, three round golden-brown meatballs covered with a shiny dark brown glaze, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion pieces on top. Behind this bowl, there is another white bowl filled with similar glazed meatballs, slightly blurred. Both bowls rest on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs, turkey meatballs with Asian glaze, easy Asian meatballs recipe, healthy turkey meatballs, quick dinner ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe, I always recommend starting with fresh, quality ingredients—it makes a world of difference. Each ingredient plays a role, from the panko that keeps the meatballs light and fluffy, to the fresh ginger and garlic that give them authentic flavor.

Flat lay of fresh ground turkey breast in a neat mound, whole eggs with smooth cream-colored shells, unseasoned golden panko breadcrumbs scattered loosely, plump garlic bulbs and individual peeled cloves showing their white papery texture, vibrant green scallions with leafy tops and white bulbs, fresh ginger root with its knobby light brown skin, glossy dark brown hoisin sauce in a small spill, rich amber rice wine vinegar in a clear small puddle, and tiny white sesame seeds sprinkled naturally nearby, all arranged with balance and harmony, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs, turkey meatballs with Asian glaze, easy Asian meatballs recipe, healthy turkey meatballs, quick dinner ideas

Ground turkey breast: I prefer breast meat because it’s lean but doesn’t dry out if you handle it gently.
Eggs: They act like glue to hold everything together.
Panko breadcrumbs: Unseasoned ones keep the texture light without overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Fresh cloves make all the difference in vibrant taste.
Scallions: Both mixed in and as garnish, they add fresh green notes.
Ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
Kosher salt: The coarse texture helps evenly season the meat.
Fresh cracked pepper: For a pump of heat and complexity.
Hoisin sauce: The star of the glaze with its sweet and savory kick.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: To balance saltiness without overwhelming.
Rice wine vinegar: Gives brightness and tang in the glaze.
Corn starch: To thicken the glaze to that perfect sticky consistency.
Water: Combines all glaze flavors smoothly.
Sesame seeds: For garnish—they add a toasted crunch and pretty finish.

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

I love how flexible this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is—once you get the basic method down, feel free to play around with flavors and textures based on what you like or have on hand.

Using Ground Chicken: If turkey isn’t your fave, ground chicken is just as good and swaps seamlessly without losing juiciness.
Spicy Kick: Toss a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of sriracha into the glaze for a bit of heat—I like this twist on cool evenings.
Gluten-free: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep everyone happy.
Vegetarian Option: Try chickpea or lentil meatballs with the same glaze for a meat-free weeknight dinner.

How to Make Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Gently

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, mince the garlic and chop the scallions finely. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, scallions, ground ginger, kosher salt, and a good crack of pepper. I like to fold everything together gently—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, and we want them tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Using a small scooper (about 1.5 ounces per meatball is my sweet spot), form 24 evenly sized meatballs. To keep things tidy and uniform, I spray a mini muffin tin liberally with cooking spray and nestle one meatball in each cup. No mini muffin tin? No worries—arrange them spaced apart on a baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes until they’re just cooked through and slightly golden.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sticky Glaze

While the meatballs bake, mince two more garlic cloves for the glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, corn starch, water, garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring often to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens into that glossy, sticky perfect consistency—this usually takes around 10 minutes. I always remind myself to keep an eye on it here because it can go from perfect to too thick quickly.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Glaze

Once the meatballs are out of the oven, gently add them into the glaze pan. Stir carefully to coat them evenly, and let them simmer for another one or two minutes so the flavors really sink in. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra scallions for a fresh, crunchy finish.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Gently folding ingredients keeps the meatballs tender, not dense.
Even Size Matters: Use a small scooper or measuring spoon for consistent cooking throughout.
Watch the Glaze: Keep stirring to prevent clumps when thickening with cornstarch—it should be velvety smooth.
Use a Mini Muffin Tin: This little trick guarantees evenly shaped meatballs and less mess in the oven.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always go for toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped scallions on top—the crunch and burst of fresh green color make these meatballs so inviting. Sometimes, I add a small drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra texture and heat. You’ll find these little touches elevate the dish instantly.

Side Dishes

My family usually enjoys these meatballs over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice. For a lighter option, I love serving them with sautéed bok choy or a crunchy Asian-style slaw.* The sweetness of the glaze pairs perfectly with fresh, crisp veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, try serving these meatballs as cocktail bites with toothpicks right on a platter. I like to add fresh cilantro leaves and thin carrot ribbons as a colorful garnish. They also make fantastic sliders with a dollop of spicy mayo on mini buns—guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Asian glazed turkey meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always let them cool completely before sealing to maintain that perfect texture without sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freezing works like a charm! After cooking and glazing, let the meatballs cool, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the glaze has thickened too much. You can also pop them in the microwave covered for about a minute or two, but reheating slowly on the stovetop keeps the glaze silky and the meatballs tender.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture will still be light, and the flavor remains delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Using ground turkey breast keeps things lean but can dry out if overcooked. To avoid this, mix in panko and eggs gently and bake just until cooked through—about 15 minutes in a 375°F oven. Also, coating them in the glaze adds moisture and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Alternatively, cook, glaze, and then freeze them to reheat later for a quick meal.
What should I serve these meatballs with?

I love serving them over jasmine rice or noodles with a side of steamed greens or a fresh Asian slaw. They also work great as party appetizers with toothpicks!

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to dishes, especially when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how easy it is to make, yet it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. If you try it, I bet you’ll end up making it a regular, too—your family will go crazy for that juicy meatball and sticky glaze combo. Seriously, give it a shot and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite weeknight dinner!