Pin this These Spicy Chili Honey Turkey Meatballs are a delicious fusion dish that brings together lean protein and a bold, sticky sauce. Oven-baked to perfection, these meatballs are glazed in a mouthwatering combination of sweet honey and fiery sriracha, making them an instant favorite for anyone who loves a bit of heat. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or as a standalone appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful.
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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By baking the meatballs in the oven, you achieve a light, tender texture without the need for frying. Once they are tossed in the warm saucepan with the chili honey sauce, they become beautifully coated and glossy, creating an irresistible protein-rich meal that is both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
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- For the Meatballs
- 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Chili Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
- Step 3
- Shape the mixture into 20–24 small meatballs (about 1½ inches each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 5
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Step 6
- Remove meatballs from the oven. Toss them gently in the warm chili honey glaze until evenly coated.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the meatballs remain juicy, avoid overworking the meat when mixing. Aim to shape the mixture into 20–24 meatballs of about 1.5 inches each for even cooking. Simmering the glaze for 2–3 minutes is essential to help it thicken and cling properly to the turkey.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of sriracha in both the meatball mixture and the glaze. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these meatballs as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks, or turn them into a hearty main dish by serving them over a bowl of steamed white rice or noodles. The fresh green onions and sesame seeds add a bright finish and a subtle crunch to every bite.
Pin this Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a healthy dinner alternative, these Spicy Chili Honey Turkey Meatballs are sure to impress. With 310 calories and 30g of protein per serving, they provide a nutritious way to enjoy bold, fusion-inspired flavors at home. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and heat!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, shape the uncooked meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. The glaze can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator—warm gently before tossing with the cooked meatballs.
- → How can I make them less spicy?
Reduce the sriracha to 1 teaspoon in both the meatball mixture and glaze, or substitute half the sriracha with ketchup or sweet chili sauce for the same glossy finish with milder heat.
- → What can I serve with these meatballs?
These work beautifully as appetizers with toothpicks, or serve over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups. For parties, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the low setting.
- → Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked, unglazed meatballs in a single layer then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and toss with fresh glaze before serving.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey?
Ground chicken works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute. For a pork version, use ground pork with slightly less salt since pork is naturally richer. The cooking time remains the same for all ground meats.