I love meatballs, and these orange-glazed Asian turkey meatballs are a great way to get my fix!
They're easy, delicious, and super versatile (feel free to swap ground turkey for ground chicken, etc.). They're perfect for meal prep when served with corn, rice, edamame, and brown rice.
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I've never met a meatball I haven't liked. I like all meatballs-meatball subs, spaghetti meatballs, Swedish meatballs-but I especially love these Asian-style turkey meatballs. They're covered in a sticky, sweet, tangy orange glaze that is delicious and out-of-this-world!
These healthy meatballs, topped with sesame seeds and green onions, are made with ground turkey, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated zucchini to make them moister. Any chance of sneaking veggies into my kids' meals is a win. Also, I didn't use bread crumbs like most meatball recipes do.
As a meatball lover, I love trying out sauce options for my homemade meatballs. I used mandarin oranges for the sticky sauce for this recipe, and it came out so good. The natural sweet and sour taste of the oranges paired with the savory flavor of the meatballs is a perfect match!
These healthy Asian turkey meatballs are not only nutritious but also great for meal prep. They're freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and have them on hand to pair with brown rice for quick and easy meals.
Why we love this Orange Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs Recipe
This delicious Asian meatballs recipe is easy to love because it is healthy and a great way to add vegetables to your protein. I call that a win-win.
It's also versatile, as you can experiment with Asian flavors. Add hoisin sauce, fish sauce, or black bean sauce. The world is your oyster. Play.
You can also substitute other meat for the ground turkey. Instead of ground turkey, you can use ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken.
Different ways of cooking the best turkey meatballs
The air fryer would cut the cooking time in half. However, you must do it in batches, as this recipe makes around 20 meatballs. You can either cook in batches or freeze half the meatballs.
Pan frying is another way of cooking it.
Air fryer method: Preheat to 325 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Pan fry method: In a large skillet, pan fry these gluten-free meatballs in batches. Pour the sauce during the last 3 minutes of cooking. The total cooking time is 25 minutes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Meatballs
Lean ground turkey - You can use any ground meat for this recipe, but I prefer to use lean ground turkey. You could also use ground chicken, pork, or beef.
Grated zucchini - I add grated zucchini to my meatballs to make them extra moist. It's perfect because it doesn't add much flavor but keeps the meatballs moist and healthy.
Almond flour - Almond flour adds a healthy, gluten-free binder to these meatballs
Fresh ginger - I love the flavor of fresh ginger because it gives the meatballs a nice zing.
Mandarin oranges - Use whatever you can find, but you need a total of 2 tablespoon of juice for the meatballs and ½ cup for the glaze. (Approximately 4 mandarin oranges).
Garlic and shallot - I always add garlic and shallot to my meatballs because they just make everything taste better.
Sweet Thai chili - This is my favorite sauce, but you could also use sriracha or just regular chili sauce.
Chicken bouillon - Get the organic!
Dark sweet soy sauce - Thicker and sweeter than regular soy cause. You can use kecap manis or tamari.
Sesame oil - This is a key ingredient in Asian cooking that gives a nice nutty flavor.
Oyster sauce - Also a common Asian cuisine ingredient that has a salty, savory flavor.
Egg - It helps bind the meatballs together.
Glaze
Mandarin oranges - You'll need a ½ cup of juice for the glaze. See note above for meatballs.
Garlic - Enhances the sweet and savory elements of the sauce!
Dark sweet soy sauce - Thicker and sweeter than regular soy cause. You can use kecap manis or tamari.
Sweet Thai chili - This is my favorite sato use, but you could also use sriracha or even just regular chili sauce.
Sesame oil - This is a key ingredient in Asian cooking that gives a nice nutty flavor.
Salt and pepper - To taste
Cornstarch slurry - A mixture of water and cornstarch to make the glaze thick.
Garnish
Green onions - Green onions are optional for garnish, but I highly recommend them!
Sesame seeds - Also optional, but highly recommended!
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet pan
Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
Citrus press
Parchment paper
Optional: air fryer
Optional: large skillet
How To Make Asian Turkey Meatballs
#1: Set oven temperature to 375 degrees.
#2: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Only mix until it is fully incorporated. Do not overmix.
#3: Line your baking tray with parchment paper (optional).
#4: Spoon equal-sized, round portions of the ground turkey mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer using a cookie scoop.
#5: Bake for 45 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
#6: Make your glaze. Add all your sauce ingredients to a small saucepan, and simmer until it is thick and your desired consistency. 3 minutes.
#7: Drizzle the sauce onto your meatballs and put them back in the oven for 5 minutes.
#8: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!
Ground Turkey - FAQs
How to store and reheat ground turkey meatballs
You may freeze your ground turkey meatballs, cooked or uncooked. Once frozen, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This is a great way to meal-prep. Once you're ready to eat the meatballs, simply reheat or cook them in the oven, air fryer, or pan and make the glaze.
Can I use low sodium soy sauce instead of dark sweet soy sauce in the Orange Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs recipe?
Yes, you can use low sodium soy sauce as a substitute for dark sweet soy sauce in the recipe. Low sodium soy sauce will reduce the overall saltiness while providing a savory flavor. However, remember that dark, sweet soy sauce has a thicker consistency and a sweeter taste, so you may want to adjust the sweetness accordingly, perhaps by adding a bit of honey or sugar.
Is sesame oil essential for the flavor of the Asian Turkey Meatballs, and are there any substitutes?
Sesame oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a distinctive nutty flavor characteristic of many Asian dishes. If you don't have sesame oil, a possible substitute could be a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, which will change the flavor profile slightly. For a more authentic taste, it's best to use sesame oil.
How can I incorporate rice wine vinegar into the orange-glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs recipe?
Rice wine vinegar can be added to the glaze for the meatballs to enhance its flavor with a subtle acidity. You can incorporate a tablespoon of rice wine vinegar into the glaze mixture, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste preference. It pairs well with the sweetness of the orange and the savory elements of the soy sauce and sesame oil.
What are some creative ways to use leftover meatballs from this recipe?
Leftover meatballs can be used in a variety of ways. They are great in sandwiches, sliced and added to salads, or served over rice or noodles for a quick meal. You can also chop them up as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. Reheat them gently to retain their moisture and flavor.
Can green onion be used in the Orange Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs recipe, and how should it be incorporated?
Green onion can be a fantastic addition to this recipe. Finely chop the green onion and mix it into the meatball mixture for a fresh, oniony flavor. You can also use it as a garnish on top of the finished meatballs to add a pop of color and a mild, crunchy texture.
What to serve with Asian Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Because this dish is so versatile, everything goes with it.
- Brown rice or white rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Any steamed vegetables: green beans, broccoli, and or carrots
- Stir fry veggies
- Chili sauce
- Salad
Orange Glazed Asian Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Set oven temperature to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl combine all the meatball ingredients. Only mix until it is fully incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper (optional).
- Using a cookie scoop, spoon equal-sized, round portions of the ground turkey mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
- Make your glaze. Add all your sauce ingredients to a small saucepan, and simmer until it is thick and your desired consistency. 3 minutes.
- Drizzle the sauce onto your meatballs and put them back in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds; Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Mention @eatwithcarmen in all social platformsI hope these Asian Turkey Meatballs with brown rice bring flavor to your table!
Rie says
My kids love it and its easy for them to eat and less messy.
Zoe says
Sad there no turkey here, i wish i could taste your this. well, ill just use chicken.
Kelly says
Obsessed with these meatballs. The flavour is amazing. I made a big batch and froze them. They were just as delicious throwing them in a stir fry frozen for a quick dinner.
Carmen says
thank you so much!! Great tip on making a big batch, I will add that to the recipe notes!