Save to Pinterest Discover the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls. Tender, oven-baked turkey meatballs are generously coated in a sticky, aromatic glaze that delivers a delightful punch of garlic and ginger. Served over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp, bright green broccoli, this meal offers a balanced and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Save to Pinterest The secret to these succulent meatballs is the gentle mixing process, which keeps the turkey light and tender. As the glaze simmers on the stove, it transforms into a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/3 cup (35 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups (370 g) cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 3 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Oven Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko, egg, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.
- 3. Shaping
- Form mixture into 20–24 meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4. Baking
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- 5. Glaze Base
- While meatballs bake, prepare the honey–garlic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, 3 cloves minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 6. Thicken Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- 7. Vegetable Prep
- Steam or sauté broccoli in sesame oil until bright green and just tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- 8. Coating
- Toss baked meatballs in the honey–garlic glaze until well coated.
- 9. Assembly
- To serve, divide rice among four bowls. Top with broccoli and glazed meatballs. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the meatballs stay tender, avoid overmixing the meat. For even sizing, use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a teaspoon of warm water.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze. You can substitute ground chicken for the turkey if preferred. For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and broccoli over cauliflower rice or brown rice.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish your bowls generously with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions for crunch and color. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp, semi-dry Riesling or a refreshing glass of iced green tea.
Save to Pinterest These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet-style meal with minimal effort. Whether you're meal prepping or serving a quick family dinner, the glossy glaze and fresh ingredients are sure to impress every time.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, form uncooked meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. The glaze can also be prepared 2-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; reheat gently before tossing with cooked meatballs.
- → What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground chicken works beautifully as a direct substitute. For a pork version, use ground pork with slightly less salt in the mixture since pork has more natural richness than turkey.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep glazed meatballs, rice, and broccoli in separate containers to maintain textures. Reheat meatballs and broccoli in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and verify your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- → What other vegetables work well in these bowls?
Try steamed snow peas, bok choy, bell pepper strips, or roasted carrots. For a green boost, add sautéed spinach or kale. Any quick-cooking vegetable that pairs with Asian flavors works wonderfully here.