Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty yet healthy meal that’s packed with flavor, these Teriyaki Meatballs are a must-try! Made with lean ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, and a mix of fresh ginger and garlic, these meatballs are savory, juicy, and full of delicious umami. The teriyaki glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, elevating the meatballs to a whole new level. Whether served over rice, tossed in a salad, or enjoyed on their own, this dish is a fantastic, healthier twist on a classic comfort food.

What makes these meatballs extra special is how simple and quick they are to make. Thanks to the lean ground turkey, they are lighter than traditional beef meatballs, yet still packed with flavor. The use of fresh ingredients like green onions, garlic, and ginger ensures that each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, these Teriyaki Meatballs will impress your taste buds every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Option

Made with lean ground turkey and a light teriyaki glaze, these meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, without sacrificing flavor.

2. Simple Ingredients

With a few pantry staples like panko bread crumbs, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, you can create a delicious meal with minimal effort.

3. Quick to Make

These teriyaki meatballs come together quickly. With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time.

4. Versatile

These meatballs can be served in many ways—over rice, in a wrap, as an appetizer, or tossed into a salad. They’re adaptable for any meal!

5. Kid-Friendly

The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze makes these meatballs a hit with both adults and kids, making them perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Panko bread crumbs
• Green onion
• Egg
• Fresh ginger
• Fresh garlic
• Soy sauce
• Teriyaki sauce (for glazing)
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Vegetarian Teriyaki Meatballs: Swap out the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat alternative or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Teriyaki Meatballs: Add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes to the meat mixture or glaze for a spicy kick.
• Beef or Chicken Meatballs: You can substitute the ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken if you prefer a different type of meat.
• Sweet and Tangy Glaze: If you prefer a more tangy glaze, add a little extra rice vinegar or lime juice to the teriyaki sauce for added zest.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped green onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check their doneness by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink in the center.

Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze

While the meatballs are baking, heat the teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you like a sweeter glaze, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Step 5: Glaze the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs or toss them gently in the sauce to coat them evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your teriyaki meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them with steamed rice, veggies, or a side salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat

When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs light and tender.

2. Make Even-Sized Meatballs

For even cooking, try to make all the meatballs the same size. This will ensure they bake at the same rate and cook evenly.

3. Add Moisture with Panko

Panko bread crumbs are great at absorbing moisture, which helps keep the meatballs tender. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs as a substitute.

4. Bake, Don’t Fry

Baking the meatballs in the oven is an easy and healthier option than frying. It allows them to cook evenly while still getting a crispy exterior.

5. Customize the Glaze

Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of your teriyaki sauce based on your preference. You can add honey for more sweetness or a little more soy sauce for extra saltiness.

How to Serve

Teriyaki meatballs are versatile and can be served in many ways. They pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy them as an appetizer for a party or gathering, serving with dipping sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze well! After baking, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat the meatballs, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for later.

2. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground beef works just as well in this recipe if you prefer a richer flavor.

3. How do I make the teriyaki sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker teriyaki sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) to thicken it.

4. Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes! After baking the meatballs, you can add them to a slow cooker with the teriyaki sauce and cook them on low for 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld together.

5. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut one open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

6. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or using crushed gluten-free crackers.

7. How do I store leftover meatballs?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, bottled teriyaki sauce is convenient and works just fine for this recipe. However, making your own teriyaki sauce is a great way to customize the flavor.

9. Can I make the meatballs spicy?

Yes! Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or teriyaki glaze for a spicy twist.

10. How can I make these meatballs vegetarian?

You can make these meatballs vegetarian by using a plant-based ground meat alternative or substituting with mashed lentils or chickpeas.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Meatballs are the perfect balance of healthy and delicious. With ground turkey, fresh ginger, and garlic, they’re packed with flavor, while the homemade teriyaki glaze gives them a sweet and savory finish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them over rice for a complete meal or as an appetizer at your next gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress. They’re simple, quick, and full of flavor—what’s not to love? Give them a try and enjoy a healthier take on a classic dish!

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