Sticky Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs

When you need a crowd-pleasing dish that works as both an appetizer and a main course, these Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are pure perfection. They’re tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that’s absolutely addictive.

The best part? These meatballs are baked, not fried, which means less mess, less oil, and a healthier dish that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven Baked: No messy frying! Baking makes them lighter and easier to cook in bulk. You can make dozens at once without babysitting a stovetop.

Flavor Bomb: The glaze is sticky, sweet, savory, and addictive. One bite and you’ll understand why these disappear so fast at parties!

Versatile: Serve them as a party appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice. They work for casual weeknights or special occasions.

Healthier Choice: Ground turkey keeps these lean without sacrificing moisture or flavor. They’re protein-packed and guilt-free!

Ingredients

Ground Turkey: Lean base for the meatballs. Use 93/7 lean for the best balance of moisture and health.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender and prevents them from getting dense. Use gluten-free panko if needed—it works perfectly!

Green Onions: Adds fresh onion flavor inside the meatball. Both the white and green parts add different flavor dimensions.

Hoisin Sauce: The key ingredient for the sticky, sweet glaze. This Chinese barbecue sauce is sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweet glaze. Don’t skip this—it cuts through the richness beautifully.

Ginger & Garlic: Fresh aromatics that infuse the meatballs with authentic Asian flavor.

Egg: Binds everything together so the meatballs hold their shape.

Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Add depth and umami to both the meatballs and the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and a splash of soy sauce. Mix gently with your hands just until combined—don’t overmix!

2. Shape: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each one.

3. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

4. Simmer Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of water in a large skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Toss: Add the baked meatballs to the pan with the glaze. Toss gently to coat every meatball in that gorgeous sticky sauce. Let them simmer together for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Tips for Success

Wet Hands: Wet your hands with cold water before rolling each meatball to prevent the meat from sticking to you. Re-wet as needed!

Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much makes tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—it’s okay if it looks a little rough.

Broil: Broil the meatballs for the last 1-2 minutes of baking for a nice golden color and slightly crispy exterior. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Uniform Size: Keep your meatballs the same size so they cook evenly. A cookie scoop works perfectly for this!

Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs Variations

Spicy: Add red chili flakes or a tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze. This adds incredible heat and depth!

Orange: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the glaze for an Orange Chicken vibe. The citrus brightens everything beautifully.

Beef: Works great with ground beef too if you prefer. The cooking time and method stay the same.

Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the glaze during the last minute. Sweet and tangy perfection!

Air Fryer: Cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. They get extra crispy this way!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with toothpicks as a party snack or appetizer. These are always the first thing to disappear at gatherings!

Serve over jasmine rice or brown rice with steamed bok choy or broccoli on the side. This turns them into a complete meal.

Top with toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions for garnish. The visual pop makes them look restaurant-worthy.

Stuff them into lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive dinner. Add shredded carrots and cucumber for crunch.

FAQs

Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze the baked meatballs without sauce in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat and toss with fresh sauce when ready to serve. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Why are my meatballs tough?
You likely overmixed the meat or packed them too tightly when rolling. Handle the mixture gently and roll loosely for tender results.

Can I use almond flour?
Yes, almond flour works as a binder for a low-carb, gluten-free version. Use the same amount as the panko breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

These Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs are impossible to stop eating. They are savory, sweet, and perfectly tender—everything you want in a crave-worthy dish that works for any occasion.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to something special, these meatballs deliver every single time. That sticky glaze? Pure magic!

Pin this recipe to your appetizer or healthy dinner board! Share it with anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors or is looking for a healthier take on party food. Let’s make mealtime more delicious, one sticky meatball at a time!