Save Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls. This dish features tender, lean turkey meatballs glazed in a rich, glossy sauce that perfectly balances the zip of rice vinegar with the depth of garlic and ginger. Served alongside vibrant green broccoli and fluffy jasmine rice, it is a complete, nourishing meal that feels like a special treat yet comes together in just 45 minutes.
Save The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By oven-baking the meatballs, you achieve a golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy, all while you prepare a quick-thickening glaze on the stovetop. It is a foolproof method for anyone looking for an easy, Asian-inspired dinner that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1/3 cup (35 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
- Honey Garlic Glaze: 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, and a slurry of 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.
- For the Bowls: 2 cups (370 g) cooked jasmine or basmati rice, 3 cups (300 g) broccoli florets, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Step 2: Bake
- Form the mixture into 20–24 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 3: Simmer the Glaze
- While the meatballs bake, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Prepare Veggies and Assemble
- Steam or sauté the broccoli in sesame oil for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender. Toss the baked meatballs in the glaze until thoroughly coated. Divide rice among four bowls, top with broccoli and meatballs, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your meatballs stay moist, avoid over-mixing the ground turkey as this can make them tough. Using a small cookie scoop can help you form uniform meatballs that cook at the same rate. Always use a meat thermometer to pull them out exactly when they hit 165°F (74°C) to prevent drying.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this bowl by substituting ground chicken for the turkey. For a lower-carb version, serve the meatballs over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. If you enjoy a bit of heat, whisk a pinch of red chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha into the glaze while it simmers.
Serviervorschläge
These savory bowls pair exceptionally well with a glass of crisp, semi-dry Riesling, which cuts through the sweetness of the honey. For a non-alcoholic pairing, try a chilled jasmine or iced green tea to complement the Asian-inspired flavors of ginger and sesame.
Save With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowl is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It is a satisfying, dairy-free meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can form and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them ahead and reheat in the glaze when ready to serve—the sauce helps keep them moist.
- → What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken works beautifully as a direct substitute. For a different flavor profile, you could also use ground pork or beef, though they'll be richer. Plant-based ground meat alternatives also work well.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the glazed meatballs, rice, and broccoli in separate containers to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- → Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time. You can also freeze cooked, glazed meatballs.
- → Is the glaze spicy?
The glaze is not spicy—it focuses on the balance of sweet honey and savory garlic with soy sauce. If you'd like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the glaze or serve with sriracha on the side.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, including the cornstarch, are certified gluten-free. The rest of the dish is naturally gluten-free.