Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls

These Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls provide a satisfying harmony of flavors, combining lean turkey meatballs with a rich, glossy glaze. Served over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp-tender broccoli, this dish is a wholesome, dairy-free meal that is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both delicious and easy to prepare.

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The secret to this recipe lies in the sticky sauce, which combines aromatic ginger and garlic with soy sauce and honey. As the meatballs bake to golden perfection in the oven, the glaze thickens on the stovetop, ensuring every bite is coated in savory goodness.

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Meatballs
• 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
• For the Honey Garlic Glaze
• 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
• For the Bowls
• 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

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko, egg, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.

Step 3

Form mixture into 20–24 meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).

Step 5

While meatballs bake, prepare the honey–garlic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Steam or sauté broccoli in sesame oil until bright green and just tender, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 8

Toss baked meatballs in the honey–garlic glaze until well coated.

Step 9

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

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze while it simmers. To ensure the meatballs remain juicy, use a meat thermometer to pull them from the oven as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground chicken for turkey if desired. For a healthier or low-carb base, consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white jasmine rice.

Serviervorschläge

This Asian-inspired dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, semi-dry Riesling. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve it alongside a tall glass of iced green tea.

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Whether you are prepping meals for the week or serving a fresh family dinner, these Honey Garlic Turkey Meatball Bowls offer a delicious and balanced experience. The combination of sweet glaze and savory meatballs is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Form and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in the glaze before serving over freshly cooked rice for the best texture and flavor.

→ What's the best way to prevent meatballs from drying out?

Avoid overmixing the ground turkey mixture—combine just until incorporated. The panko breadcrumbs and egg add essential moisture. Bake until just cooked through to 165°F, and coat immediately with the glaze to seal in juices.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey with other proteins?

Ground chicken works seamlessly as a direct substitute. For a leaner option, use extra-lean ground beef or pork. The glaze pairs beautifully with any mild protein that absorbs the honey-garlic flavors well.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace regular panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Verify your rice vinegar and other condiments are certified gluten-free. The cornstarch thickener is naturally gluten-free.

→ What vegetables work well besides broccoli?

Snap peas, bell pepper strips, bok choy, or stir-fried cabbage all complement the honey-garlic flavors. Consider a colorful mix like carrots, snow peas, and shiitake mushrooms for variety and added nutrition.