Pin These Spicy Chili Honey Turkey Meatballs strike the perfect balance between sweet and heat. The tender, juicy turkey meatballs are infused with aromatic garlic and green onions, then glazed with a sticky, finger-licking honey-sriracha sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining.
Pin The inspiration for these meatballs came from classic Asian flavor combinations, where sticky-sweet glazes and bold spices create irresistible bites. The turkey keeps them lighter than traditional beef meatballs, while the sriracha brings just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. You'll find yourself making these again and again!
Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatball ingredients
- 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.
- Form the meatballs
- Shape the mixture into 20–24 small meatballs (about 1½ inches each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the glaze
- 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.
- Coat with glaze
- Remove meatballs from the oven. Toss them gently in the warm chili honey glaze until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When mixing your meatball ingredients, use a light touch to prevent them from becoming too dense. If the mixture feels too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs. Too dry? Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil. For maximum flavor, let the formed meatballs rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a milder version, reduce the sriracha in both meatballs and glaze. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. You can also swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean pork if preferred.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, or transform them into a complete meal by serving over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced dinner. They also make excellent filling for lettuce wraps or sliders!
Pin Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner option, these Spicy Chili Honey Turkey Meatballs are sure to impress. The combination of lean turkey with the sweet-spicy glaze creates a dish that's both satisfying and relatively light. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. Go ahead and treat yourself to this perfect blend of comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Using breadcrumbs and egg helps retain moisture during baking.
- → Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- → What is the best way to adjust the spice level?
Reduce the amount of sriracha in both the meatball mix and glaze for a milder flavor.
- → Can these meatballs be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then toss them in the glaze just before serving.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
They are delicious served over steamed rice, noodles, or with fresh greens for a balanced meal.