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
Scale
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.
