If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying, this Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender turkey meatballs glazed in a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce are perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for dinner or a fun appetizer to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time with minimal effort and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to the delightful complexity of this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending depth to the meatballs themselves, enriching the sauce, or adding that delicate crunch and color in the garnishes.
- 16 ounces lean ground turkey: The base of the meatballs, lean yet juicy, making for tender bites without excess fat.
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs: Light and airy, they help bind the meatballs while keeping them soft and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast in flavor and a vibrant pop of green.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder ensuring the meatballs hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger): Provides warmth and a subtle zing that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 garlic clove, pressed: Infuses the meatballs with aromatic depth and savory richness.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, nutty undertone that’s quintessential to teriyaki flavor profiles.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed: Sweetens the sauce naturally with a hint of molasses complexity.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly smoky element that rounds out the glaze beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers essential umami and saltiness to the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil: Enhances the sauce’s richness with extra depth of flavor.
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced: Boosts the savory punch in the teriyaki glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger): Adds a gentle heat and brightness to the sauce.
- Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish: Provide texture, visual appeal, and that iconic Asian-inspired finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and help the meatballs cook evenly with a bit of crispness on the outside while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic, and sesame oil. Be sure not to overwork the mixture; you want to keep the meatballs light and tender. Once combined, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook through evenly while staying juicy.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place your meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each so they brown nicely. Bake them for 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C). Baking keeps these meatballs healthier and fuss-free.
Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare your sauce by combining brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Let this simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly into that perfect sticky glaze you’ll love. This sauce is where the magic happens—it coats the meatballs with a gorgeous shine and a sweet-savory burst of flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Once the meatballs come out of the oven, immediately toss them in the warm teriyaki sauce until each is beautifully coated. Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onion for a nutty crunch and a fresh, vibrant finish. These finishing touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can instantly elevate your Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while sliced green onions help brighten each bite with a subtle sharpness and vibrant color. For an extra touch, you might add thin slivers of red chili or a dash of sriracha if you love a bit of heat alongside the savory sweetness.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them over a bed of steaming jasmine or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy offer freshness and a crisp texture that balances the rich glaze. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe the star of your next party? Skewer them as bite-sized appetizers and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for an elegant finger food. Alternatively, create a fusion bowl layering the meatballs with rice, pickled vegetables, and avocado for a trendy, colorful meal. You could even stuff them inside buns for a fun teriyaki “meatball slider” twist that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra teriyaki meatballs, no worries—they store beautifully. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating is a good idea to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, spread the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze individually until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatballs last up to 3 months and make for a quick meal when you need something tasty on the fly. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce will keep them moist during reheating. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry them out, so keep an eye on them.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even pork works well and provides a richer flavor. Keep in mind turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a bit of fat like olive oil or an extra egg for binding if you use beef.
How spicy is this Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe?
This recipe as written is not spicy but loaded with savory and sweet flavors. You can easily add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce if you like it spicy.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What can I serve if I’m low on time?
These meatballs come together quickly and bake fast, but you can speed things up further by using pre-made teriyaki sauce or pre-chopped ingredients. Pairing with instant rice and steamed veggies makes a quick, balanced meal.
How long do these meatballs keep after cooking?
Properly stored in the fridge, these meatballs stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. After that, their texture and flavor might start to decline, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for the family, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself, these meatballs never disappoint. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Teriyaki Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring lean ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection and tossed in a homemade savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, they make a delicious appetizer or main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 16 ounces lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, finely chopped green onion, egg, freshly grated ginger, pressed garlic clove, and sesame oil. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are cooked through with an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the light brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once baked, transfer the warm meatballs to a bowl and gently toss them with the prepared teriyaki sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onion over the sauced meatballs and serve immediately. Enjoy as a main dish or appetizer!
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Using lean ground turkey keeps this recipe lower in fat but still flavorful.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
