Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Your Family
Introduction
Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of turkey. These meatballs are tender and packed with flavor, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, so everyone can enjoy them guilt-free!
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs. First, they are easy to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish. Second, they are made with lean turkey, which is lower in fat than beef or pork, making it a healthier choice. Lastly, the combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that will please even the pickiest eaters in your family. This recipe is a win-win for your taste buds and your health!
How to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
Making Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs is simple. With a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. More details here.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl. More details here.
- Crack the egg into the mixture. More details here.
- Pour in the soy sauce, and sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. More details here.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. More details here.
- With clean hands, take about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. More details here.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. More details here.
- Continue forming the meatballs until all the mixture is used up, yielding around 20-24 meatballs. More details here.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. More details here.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until well combined and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes). More details here.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. More details here.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. More details here.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, avoiding overcrowding (you may need to do this in batches). More details here.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides. More details here.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the skillet and gently toss to coat. More details here.
- Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). More details here.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
You can serve these meatballs in a variety of ways. They are great on their own as a main dish, served alongside rice or quinoa. You can also toss them with pasta for a hearty meal. For something lighter, serve them over a bed of greens or in a wrap for a delicious lunch.
How to Store Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stove.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or they will become tough.
- Experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
Variation
If you want to spice things up, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick. You can also swap turkey for ground chicken or lean beef, if preferred.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
2. How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to cook them.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these tasty Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs with your family. Happy cooking!
