Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful Recipe

October 24, 2025October 3, 2025 by Chef Evan

Looking for a delicious twist on your weeknight dinner? Try my Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs! They are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. You’ll impress your family with tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory glaze. Follow my simple steps to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Jump to Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these meatballs are simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich and tasty teriyaki glaze that elevates the turkey meatballs.
Healthy Option: Using ground turkey makes these meatballs a leaner choice, packed with protein while still being satisfying.
Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients, such as adding vegetables or swapping the turkey for another protein, to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

For these teriyaki turkey meatballs, you will need:

– 1 lb ground turkey

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1 egg, beaten

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

These ingredients create a juicy and flavorful base for the meatballs. Ground turkey keeps them moist, while garlic and ginger add a zesty kick. The soy sauce and honey bring that classic teriyaki taste.

Optional Garnishes

To make your meatballs even better, consider these garnishes:

– Sesame seeds

– Fresh cilantro

These garnishes add a nice touch. The sesame seeds give a crunch, while cilantro adds freshness.

Suggested Substitutions

If you need to make changes, here are some good swaps:

– Ground chicken can replace turkey.

– Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.

– Maple syrup can stand in for honey.

– Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free option.

These substitutions can keep your recipe flexible. Each change still keeps the great flavor and texture you want.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet

First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step makes clean-up easy and helps the meatballs not stick.

Combining the Ingredients for Meatballs

In a big bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and green onions. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Don’t forget the beaten egg! Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything well. The mixture should feel sticky but hold together. Shape this mixture into meatballs. Aim for about one inch in size. Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Making and Applying the Teriyaki Glaze

Now it’s time to create the teriyaki glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix brings a sweet and savory flavor. Brush half of this glaze onto the meatballs. Make sure to coat them well. Set aside the rest for later.

Baking Instructions

Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. After 20 minutes, take them out and toss them in the reserved teriyaki glaze. This adds extra flavor. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes. This last step allows the glaze to caramelize a bit. When done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade teriyaki turkey meatballs!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfectly Moist Meatballs

To keep your meatballs juicy, use 1 pound of ground turkey. Ground turkey can dry out easily. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg for moisture. The breadcrumbs absorb juices and help hold everything together. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough. Aim for a light hand when forming the meatballs.

Tips for Glazing and Caramelization

The teriyaki glaze is key to flavor. Brush half of it on the meatballs before baking. This helps the glaze caramelize and stick. After baking, toss the meatballs in the reserved glaze. This adds a fresh layer of flavor. Return them to the oven for 5 minutes to get that sticky finish.

Cooking Ahead and Timing Suggestions

You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the glaze right before baking. This saves time on busy nights. If you freeze them, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in your meatballs.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey in the glaze based on your personal preference for sweetness.
Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Variations

Alternative Proteins for Meatballs

If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Ground chicken works well and gives a lighter taste. Beef is another good choice. It adds a rich flavor that many love. If you prefer plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and adjust the spices for taste. Each protein brings a new twist to your meatballs.

Different Flavor Profiles for the Glaze

The teriyaki glaze is key to the taste. You can play with it! Add some garlic or chili flakes for a kick. If you like sweet flavors, try brown sugar instead of honey. For a tangy twist, add orange juice or zest. You can even use pineapple juice for a fruity touch. Each change will make your meatballs unique.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These meatballs are great on their own, but you can serve them in many ways. Try them on a bed of rice or noodles. They also pair well with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. If you’re hosting, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Don’t forget to provide extra glaze for dipping. These options make meals fun and tasty!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

After cooking, let the teriyaki turkey meatballs cool. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store the meatballs with some glaze to keep them moist.

Freezing Tips for Meatballs

You can freeze the meatballs if you want to store them longer. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Suggestions

To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Always check that the meatballs are hot all the way through before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and saves time.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. It should be no longer pink inside and the juices should run clear.

What can I serve with Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs?

You can serve Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed rice or quinoa

– Stir-fried vegetables

– Noodles tossed in sesame oil

– A fresh green salad

These sides balance the flavors nicely and add healthy options.

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other meats for this recipe. Ground chicken or pork work well as substitutes. Beef can also be used, but it will change the flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if using a different meat. Each option gives a unique taste to the dish.

In this blog post, we explored tasty teriyaki turkey meatballs. We covered main ingredients and optional garnishes. You learned how to combine and bake them perfectly. I shared tips for keeping meatballs moist and glazing well. We also discussed fun variations and storage ideas.

In the end, teriyaki turkey meatballs are fun to make and enjoy. Try different flavors and share with friend

$For these teriyaki turkey meatballs, you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred) - 3 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil These ingredients create a juicy and flavorful base for the meatballs. Ground turkey keeps them moist, while garlic and ginger add a zesty kick. The soy sauce and honey bring that classic teriyaki taste. To make your meatballs even better, consider these garnishes: - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro These garnishes add a nice touch. The sesame seeds give a crunch, while cilantro adds freshness. If you need to make changes, here are some good swaps: - Ground chicken can replace turkey. - Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs. - Maple syrup can stand in for honey. - Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free option. These substitutions can keep your recipe flexible. Each change still keeps the great flavor and texture you want. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step makes clean-up easy and helps the meatballs not stick. In a big bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and green onions. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Don’t forget the beaten egg! Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything well. The mixture should feel sticky but hold together. Shape this mixture into meatballs. Aim for about one inch in size. Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Now it's time to create the teriyaki glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix brings a sweet and savory flavor. Brush half of this glaze onto the meatballs. Make sure to coat them well. Set aside the rest for later. Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through. After 20 minutes, take them out and toss them in the reserved teriyaki glaze. This adds extra flavor. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes. This last step allows the glaze to caramelize a bit. When done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade teriyaki turkey meatballs! To keep your meatballs juicy, use 1 pound of ground turkey. Ground turkey can dry out easily. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg for moisture. The breadcrumbs absorb juices and help hold everything together. Don't overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough. Aim for a light hand when forming the meatballs. The teriyaki glaze is key to flavor. Brush half of it on the meatballs before baking. This helps the glaze caramelize and stick. After baking, toss the meatballs in the reserved glaze. This adds a fresh layer of flavor. Return them to the oven for 5 minutes to get that sticky finish. You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the glaze right before baking. This saves time on busy nights. If you freeze them, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Bake as directed when you're ready to enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey in the glaze based on your personal preference for sweetness. Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Ground chicken works well and gives a lighter taste. Beef is another good choice. It adds a rich flavor that many love. If you prefer plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and adjust the spices for taste. Each protein brings a new twist to your meatballs. The teriyaki glaze is key to the taste. You can play with it! Add some garlic or chili flakes for a kick. If you like sweet flavors, try brown sugar instead of honey. For a tangy twist, add orange juice or zest. You can even use pineapple juice for a fruity touch. Each change will make your meatballs unique. These meatballs are great on their own, but you can serve them in many ways. Try them on a bed of rice or noodles. They also pair well with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. If you're hosting, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks. Don't forget to provide extra glaze for dipping. These options make meals fun and tasty! After cooking, let the teriyaki turkey meatballs cool. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store the meatballs with some glaze to keep them moist. You can freeze the meatballs if you want to store them longer. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Always check that the meatballs are hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. It should be no longer pink inside and the juices should run clear. You can serve Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles tossed in sesame oil - A fresh green salad These sides balance the flavors nicely and add healthy options. Yes, you can use other meats for this recipe. Ground chicken or pork work well as substitutes. Beef can also be used, but it will change the flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if using a different meat. Each option gives a unique taste to the dish. In this blog post, we explored tasty teriyaki turkey meatballs. We covered main ingredients and optional garnishes. You learned how to combine and bake them perfectly. I shared tips for keeping meatballs moist and glazing well. We also discussed fun variations and storage ideas. In the end, teriyaki turkey meatballs are fun to make and enjoy. Try different flavors and share with friends.$