These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor. Made with lean ground turkey and baked until golden, they’re tossed in a sticky soy-honey glaze that’s perfect over rice, in wraps, or served as a party appetizer. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep—and they freeze beautifully too!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ⅓ cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Garnish: extra green onions and sesame seeds

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup beef broth (or water)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)

Optional for Thickening:

• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ tablespoon water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Form 1-inch meatballs and place in a single layer on the baking sheet (makes 25–26 meatballs).
3. Bake: Bake for 13–15 minutes or until lightly browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Sauce: While meatballs bake, add soy sauce, honey, beef broth, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Thicken (Optional): If desired, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
6. Coat & Serve: Transfer baked meatballs to a large bowl and toss with the glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve warm.

Nutrients

• Calories: 216 (per 4 meatballs)
• Carbohydrates: 19.7g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 7.6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12.5g
• Sodium: 916.5mg

A Leaner Take on Classic Comfort

While meatballs are traditionally made with ground beef or pork, this version leans on ground turkey for a lighter, leaner alternative. Turkey is a fantastic canvas for flavor—it’s mild, high in protein, and takes on seasoning exceptionally well. In these meatballs, turkey is mixed with fresh garlic, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce to create a blend that’s both juicy and flavorful. The result is a meatball that doesn’t just taste good—it tastes vibrant, balanced, and satisfying without being heavy or greasy.

Sticky Soy-Honey Glaze: Sweet, Savory, Addictive

The glaze is what truly transforms these turkey meatballs into something unforgettable. Inspired by classic Asian sauces, the glaze is a blend of low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger, with the optional kick of red chili flakes. As the sauce simmers, it thickens into a glossy glaze that’s sticky in the best possible way—clinging to the meatballs and delivering bold flavor with every bite. The balance of sweet and savory is key here. The honey tempers the saltiness of the soy sauce, while the garlic and ginger provide warmth and depth. A dash of sesame oil ties it all together with a nutty undertone that makes the sauce as complex as it is comforting.

Perfect Texture, Every Time

Baking the meatballs instead of pan-frying them keeps the process simple and mess-free, while still yielding a beautifully tender texture. The breadcrumbs and egg ensure that the meatballs hold their shape and stay juicy inside, while a short bake time at high heat allows them to brown just enough without drying out. The result is a meatball that’s light but satisfying, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and moistness on the inside. This method makes it easy to cook a big batch all at once, ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

One of the best parts about these Asian glazed turkey meatballs is their versatility. Serve them as the centerpiece of dinner, piled over rice or noodles and paired with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They’re just as good tucked into lettuce cups with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra green onions, or skewered with toothpicks and served at a party. You can even use them in a rice bowl with pickled veggies, edamame, or avocado for a customizable, meal-prep-friendly option. Their bold flavor and simple presentation make them a go-to dish for nearly any occasion.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Freezing

These meatballs are tailor-made for busy schedules. They can be prepped ahead, baked, and stored in the fridge for up to four days—or frozen for weeks without losing quality. The glaze can also be made in advance and stored separately, ready to reheat and toss when you’re short on time. For a complete meal, you can pair the meatballs with pre-cooked rice, roasted veggies, or salad greens. Simply reheat, glaze, and enjoy a homemade dish that feels fresh and satisfying even on your busiest days.

Health-Conscious and Flavor-Forward

With a lower fat content than beef or pork and fewer calories per serving, ground turkey is an excellent protein choice for health-conscious cooks. These meatballs are baked, not fried, which reduces the oil content while preserving great taste and texture. The glaze, although sweet, is balanced with real ingredients like fresh garlic and ginger, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the sodium in check without compromising flavor. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but fits within a balanced diet.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

With their fun size and sticky, flavorful coating, these turkey meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike. The mild sweetness of the glaze makes them approachable for younger eaters, while the garlic and ginger keep things interesting for more mature palates. They’re easy to eat, mess-free, and perfect for hands-on meals like lettuce wraps or bento box lunches. If you’re trying to get your kids to eat more protein or introduce them to new global flavors, this recipe is a great place to start.

Customizable for Dietary Needs

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences or restrictions. Swap the turkey for ground chicken if you prefer, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari to make it gluten-free. If you’re reducing sugar intake, you can cut the honey in half or replace it with a natural sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave. Vegetarians can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute and the same flavorings to achieve a similar result. It’s a flexible, forgiving recipe that still delivers on taste.

Ideal for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress. They’re bite-sized, mess-free, and incredibly flavorful—ideal for serving on skewers, in mini lettuce cups, or alongside a dipping sauce station. The glaze gives them a beautiful, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. Make a double batch, keep them warm in a slow cooker, and watch them disappear. They pair well with a wide variety of other dishes, from fried rice to spring rolls, and bring a global touch to any table.

Conclusion

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and bold flavor. From their tender, juicy interior to the sticky, savory-sweet glaze, every element is designed to satisfy. They’re simple enough for busy weeknights, elegant enough for guests, and versatile enough for meal prep. With easy customization and universally loved flavors, this dish is a practical go-to for home cooks who want more out of their dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try these meatballs, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—because great taste, convenience, and a healthier approach can all live on the same plate.