Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Your Family

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe for so many reasons:

• Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, this recipe is ready in under 40 minutes.

• Healthy: Made with lean ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a flavorful homemade honey garlic sauce, these meatballs are both nutritious and satisfying.

• Versatile: They can be served over rice, pasta, or just as an appetizer. They work for any occasion!

• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors make these meatballs perfect for kids and adults alike.

• Leftover-Friendly: They make for great leftovers, and they’re just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and flavorful dish:

• 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Crack the egg into the mixture and pour in the soy sauce. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix everything together gently, making sure not to overmix.

2. Form the Meatballs
   Using your hands or a spoon, take about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used up, yielding about 20-24 meatballs.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
   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.

4. Cook the Meatballs
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet (you may need to do this in batches). Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

5. Add the Sauce
   Once the meatballs are browned, pour the honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

6. Garnish & Serve
   Garnish the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley and serve them with your choice of sides—whether it’s rice, pasta, or just as they are.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20-24 meatballs, which serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size. The total time from prep to plate is approximately 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, and here are a few fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

• Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Bake the Meatballs: For a hands-off method, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then toss them in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Reheat meatballs in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce, or gently in the microwave. Be sure to heat them thoroughly.

• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or pork if you prefer.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Then, toss them in the sauce.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and even cook them in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then follow the recipe as usual.

What can I serve these meatballs with?

They go great with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a snack.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a delightful mix of herbs and spices. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or serving them as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. With their simple preparation, versatility, and delicious flavors, they are bound to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

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