Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are not just tasty; they’re a healthy option for everyone in the family. Ground turkey is lean and packed with protein, while the honey and garlic create a delicious sauce that everyone will love. This recipe is also easy to make, perfect for busy nights or weekend meals. Plus, with whole wheat breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, it’s a great way to sneak some extra nutrition into your diet.

How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl.
Crack the egg into the mixture.
Pour in the soy sauce, and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
With clean hands, take about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Continue forming the meatballs until all the mixture is used up, yielding around 20-24 meatballs.
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until well combined and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, avoiding overcrowding (you may need to do this in batches).
Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet and gently toss to coat.
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

You can serve these meatballs over rice, pasta, or even on their own as a snack. They also make a great addition to a salad. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch.

How to Store Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

If you have leftovers, you can keep these meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for about 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
You can add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you want a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.

Variation

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer. You can also use different types of sauces, like teriyaki or barbecue, for a new twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them until you’re ready to cook them.

Q2: What should I serve with these meatballs?
A2: They pair well with rice, pasta, vegetables, or even in a sandwich.

Q3: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
A3: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.