Name: Teriyaki Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 cup bread crumbs or almond flour or ground oats ((gluten free if needed)); 1 large egg; 1 clove garlic ((finely minced or crushed)); 1 teaspoon ginger ((grated fresh)); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¾ cup soy sauce or tamari ((gluten free, if needed)); ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch; 2 tablespoons honey; ¼ cup rice vinegar; ¼ cup pineapple juice ((from a can of pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice)); 1 clove garlic ((finely minced or crushed)); 2 teaspoons ginger ((grated fresh)); 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits; 1 pound broccoli or other vegetables ((steamed)); 1 serving choice of rice, ramen noodles, cauliflower rice, or zoodles; 1 serving thinly sliced scallions ((optional))

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up, look no further than these Teriyaki Meatballs. The combination of ground turkey, aromatic spices, and a sweet yet savory sauce creates a dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for lunch, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of Teriyaki Meatballs lies in their straightforward ingredients and method. Ground turkey is lean and readily absorbs flavors, making it an excellent choice for meatballs. The addition of fresh garlic and ginger brings a zesty punch, while the homemade teriyaki sauce—made with soy sauce, honey, and pineapple juice—adds a delightful balance of sweetness and umami. Plus, these meatballs are baked, ensuring they remain tender and juicy without the need for excessive oil.

Ingredient Checklist

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup bread crumbs, almond flour, or ground oats (gluten free if needed)
1 large egg
1 clove finely minced or crushed garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ cup soy sauce or tamari (gluten free, if needed) or ¾ cup coconut aminos and omit water
½ cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
2 tablespoons honey
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup pineapple juice from a can of pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice
1 clove finely minced or crushed garlic
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 cup drained pineapple tidbits
Your choice of rice, ramen noodles, cauliflower rice, or zoodles
About 1 pound of broccoli or other vegetables, steamed, or a 12-16 oz. package of frozen vegetables, cooked according to package directions
Thinly sliced scallions, optional

Appliances & Accessories

Oven: For baking the meatballs to perfection.
Mixing Bowls: To combine the meatball ingredients and sauce.
Baking Sheet: To hold the meatballs while they bake.
Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Teriyaki Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and get a nice golden color on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 cup of your choice of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 clove of finely minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color.

Step 5: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of soy sauce or tamari, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of rice vinegar, ¼ cup of pineapple juice, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons of grated ginger. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Cook the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the teriyaki sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball in the sauce.

Step 8: Prepare Your Base

While the meatballs are soaking up that delicious sauce, prepare your choice of rice, ramen noodles, cauliflower rice, or zoodles according to package instructions. Steam or microwave about 1 pound of broccoli or your choice of vegetables until tender.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

To serve, place a generous scoop of your chosen base on each plate, top with teriyaki meatballs, and drizzle additional sauce over the top. Add steamed vegetables on the side and sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions if desired.

Seasonal Twists

Summer: Add fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist.
Fall: Incorporate diced butternut squash for a hearty addition.
Winter: Use roasted Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli for a seasonal touch.
Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a fresh crunch.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

While making Teriyaki Meatballs is relatively straightforward, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough. Mix just until combined.
If the meatballs are too dry, add a bit more egg or a splash of water to the mixture.
If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Store & Reheat

Leftover Teriyaki Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or warm them on the stove over low heat until heated through. If you have extra sauce, drizzle it over the meatballs while reheating to keep them moist and flavorful.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based alternative can be used in place of ground turkey. Just adjust cooking times as necessary based on the meat you choose.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you need a soy sauce substitute, coconut aminos is a great alternative. It has a similar flavor profile, and you can use it in the same quantity as soy sauce. Just be sure to omit the water if you go this route.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce for an added layer of heat.

Final Bite

Teriyaki Meatballs are more than just a meal; they are a delightful experience packed with flavor and versatility. Whether enjoyed over rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to impress guests. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make some Teriyaki Meatballs that will have everyone coming back for seconds!