Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs That Will Rock Your Dinner Table

Some recipes just have a way of making you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs are exactly that kind of dish. I still remember the first time I whipped these up for a weekend potluck. I barely had time to transfer them to a serving dish before people started hovering around, picking them off the tray. Juicy on the inside, glossy on the outside, and loaded with the perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavor, they disappeared in minutes. Since then, they have become my secret weapon for everything from game nights to weeknight dinners. If you are looking for something easy, exciting, and downright addictive, this is the recipe you need.

this Recipe

What Is Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs are tender ground turkey meatballs that are oven baked and then tossed in a sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and just the right kick of chili. The glaze coats the meatballs like a shiny blanket of flavor, creating a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Think of them as the perfect fusion of Asian-inspired comfort food and easy-to-make family dinner.

Why You Will Fall in Love with This Recipe

These meatballs have everything going for them. They are incredibly simple to make yet taste like something you would order at a trendy restaurant. Here is why you will want to add them to your regular rotation:

• Quick to prepare with basic pantry ingredients
• Packed with lean protein from ground turkey
• Great for appetizers, lunches, or dinner
• Easily adaptable for different spice levels or dietary needs
• A total crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike

Once you taste that sweet and spicy glaze, you will understand why everyone always asks for the recipe.

How Does It Taste

Each bite delivers a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The turkey meatballs are moist and tender thanks to a combination of breadcrumbs and egg, while the glaze brings bold flavor without being overwhelming. The sweetness of honey and the umami depth of soy sauce play perfectly with hints of garlic and ginger. Then comes a gentle heat from red pepper flakes that lingers in the best way. The glaze caramelizes slightly on the meatballs, giving them a beautiful shine and an irresistible sticky finish.

Health and Ingredient Benefits

These turkey meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork versions, and they are packed with nutritious ingredients:

• Ground turkey is a lean source of protein with less saturated fat
• Garlic and ginger offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
• Honey is a natural sweetener that delivers antioxidants
• Green onions provide vitamin K, vitamin C, and a burst of freshness
• Low sodium soy sauce keeps salt levels in check without sacrificing flavor

You can also make this recipe gluten free by using tamari or coconut aminos and gluten free breadcrumbs.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93 percent lean)
• 1 half cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 half teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the glaze:

• 1 quarter cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 quarter cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 half teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Optional garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Tools You Will Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Saucepan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Tongs or spatula

Optional Substitutions and Additions

• Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low carb version
• Swap turkey for ground chicken or lean pork
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free version
• Add grated zucchini or carrots to the mixture for extra veggies
• Use maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper sweetness
• Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha to boost the heat

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Use your hands or a scoop to form the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the meatballs bake, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
7. Bring to a simmer, then stir together cornstarch and water in a separate bowl and pour into the saucepan.
8. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
9. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
10. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

What to Serve with These Glazed Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Over a bed of jasmine or brown rice
• Alongside stir fried vegetables or noodles
• Wrapped in lettuce cups for a low carb meal
• As an appetizer with toothpicks and extra glaze
• In a rice bowl with cucumbers, carrots, and avocado

You can even use them as a filling for Asian inspired sliders or wraps.

Tips for Success

• Use 93 percent lean ground turkey for the best texture
• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness
• Use damp hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking
• Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup
• Double the glaze if you plan to serve the meatballs with rice or noodles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using extra lean turkey can result in dry meatballs
• Skipping the egg or breadcrumbs will cause the meatballs to fall apart
• Overbaking can dry them out, so check for doneness at 18 minutes
• Not adjusting the spice level to your taste can make them too mild or too hot

How to Store and Reheat

To store: Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze in a zip top bag or container for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot
• Heat in a saucepan over medium low heat with a splash of water
• Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and the glaze separately and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine before serving.

Are these meatballs very spicy?
They have a mild heat. You can reduce or increase the red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

Can I use frozen meatballs with this glaze?
You can, but homemade meatballs will taste better. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and heat them before tossing in the glaze.

Can I air fry the meatballs instead?
Yes, air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales up well for parties or meal prep.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Serving size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 210
• Protein: 21 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Sugar: 8 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Sodium: 480 milligrams

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Turkey Meatballs bring together everything you want in a recipe. They are juicy and satisfying with a glaze that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, weeknight dinner, or make ahead lunch, they are always a hit. Best of all, they are easy to customize and quick to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say meatball.

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August 21, 2025 by Melissa