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 irresistibly tasty about these little bites—juicy turkey meatballs smothered in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory. This Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a total winner for weeknight dinners or even a casual get-together. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll find all kinds of excuses to prepare them again.

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

Every time I whip up this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe, I remember why it’s such a staple in my kitchen. The balance of flavors hits all the right notes, and the texture surprises you since turkey can sometimes be a bit dry—but not here. It’s also pretty straightforward to prepare, which means you’re savoring a homemade meal without the fuss.

Perfectly juicy meatballs: Using ground turkey with just the right mix of breadcrumbs and egg keeps these tender and moist every time.
Balanced Asian glaze: The sauce blends savory soy, sweet honey, and a touch of ginger and garlic for that classic flavor punch.
Quick to make: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes—ideal for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
Versatile and customizable: Whether you like it spicy or mild, or want to swap turkey for chicken or beef, it’s easy to tweak.

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

All these ingredients come together to create a wonderfully balanced dish. The turkey provides a lean, mild base, while the sauce layers on complex flavors. Shopping tip: fresh ginger makes a noticeable difference, so if you can get it, don’t settle for the ground version.

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, cooks quickly, and picks up the flavors of the glaze beautifully.
Whole wheat panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs without heaviness.
Egg: The natural glue that keeps everything together.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for umami richness without overpowering saltiness.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds zesty warmth—fresh is best for the brightness it provides.
Garlic: Brings depth and a punch of savoriness.
Green onions: Mixed into the meatballs and for garnish, lending a mild oniony crunch and color.
Honey: Sweetens and balances the soy’s saltiness, creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
Beef broth (or water): Adds subtle richness to the sauce; broth is my favorite for that extra depth.
Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way in adding nutty aroma.
Black pepper and red chili flakes: Adjusts the heat level—great for those who like a little kick.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the glaze if you want it extra 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

I like to keep this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe pretty classic, but I also enjoy mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can definitely tailor the flavor and heat level to suit your mood or guests.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping ground turkey for ground pork for a bit richer meatball, especially when serving to a crowd.
Spice it up: If you’re a chili fan, try upping the red chili flakes or adding a dash of Sriracha to the glaze for extra zing.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and tamari instead of soy sauce. It still works beautifully!
Fresh herbs: Try adding chopped cilantro or basil inside the meatballs for a fresh, herbal note.

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

Step 1: Mix and Roll Your Meatballs

Start by combining ground turkey with panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green onions in a mixing bowl. I like to use my hands here—makes it easier to feel when everything is evenly mixed. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or your meatballs could turn out tough! Once mixed, roll into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistency in size ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Lay the meatballs in a single layer and brown them on all sides—this usually takes about 6-7 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown. Browning adds a depth of flavor and a nice texture contrast.

Step 3: Whip Up the Glaze Sauce

While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, beef broth (or water), honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, pepper, and chili flakes in a bowl. You’ll love how these simple ingredients come together so quickly for that signature sweet-savory glaze.

Step 4: Simmer and Coat

Once meatballs are browned, pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to coat them evenly. If you want a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir it in during the last couple of minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully, sticking to every meatball for that irresistible bite.

Top Tip

From my many times making this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it always turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful—these are the little adjustments that really elevate the results.

Don’t skip the panko: It’s key for light, tender meatballs that aren’t dense or gummy.
Browning is crucial: Taking the time to brown sides gives better texture and flavor depth.
Adjust your sauce thickness: Use cornstarch if you prefer the glaze stickier—it really clings to the meatballs beautifully.
Fresh ginger shines: I once used only ground ginger out of convenience and it lacked brightness—fresh ginger adds zing and complexity.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Asian glazed turkey meatballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra sliced green onions and a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds over the finished meatballs. It adds that fresh pop of color and a subtle crunch that makes the dish feel complete—plus, it’s pretty enough to make you want to snap a photo before digging in.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. I also love serving them alongside stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete meal. Sometimes, I even toss them on top of a simple noodle bowl for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe with toothpicks on a beautiful platter with small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. They always disappear fast! Another time, I layered them over lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a fun lettuce wrap style appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after sitting for a bit, so leftovers can be even tastier than the first serving.

Freezing

I often freeze any extra meatballs without sauce by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw and reheat with fresh glaze or sauce. This way, you have a quick meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving too long or they can dry out, but if you do, try covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ground meat for the Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve tried swapping the turkey for ground chicken, pork, or even beef. Each protein brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but the sauce ties everything together perfectly. Just keep cooking times similar since they’re all lean meats.

How can I make the glaze sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, mix together about half a tablespoon of cornstarch with the same amount of water and stir it into the simmering sauce near the end of cooking. It thickens up in just a minute or two and clings beautifully to the meatballs.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready, brown and glaze them fresh. Alternatively, you can fully cook and glaze them, then refrigerate and reheat gently when needed—either way works well!

What’s the best way to serve these meatballs for a party?

Serving Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks is a total crowd-pleaser. Pair with extra glaze for dipping, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. You can also serve them over steamed rice or noodles for a heartier option.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love how this Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe brings such a wonderful combination of flavors and textures to the table so effortlessly. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but never complicated. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll earn a spot in your weekly rotation too—perfect for impressing family, friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious.