Sweet & Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs
These delicious Sweet & Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making for a quick and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey Lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Preferably whole wheat.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Use either according to preference.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Low-sodium alternative can be used.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust based on your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Optional, adds depth of flavor.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup For the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce For the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili sauce If using, adjust to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Prepare the glaze by mixing additional honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes or chili sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer until thickened slightly.
- Brush the baked meatballs with the glaze and return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Remove from oven, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, replace breadcrumbs with ground oats or a gluten-free option. Experiment with different spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.