Teriyaki Meatballs
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Teriyaki Meatballs, a dish that seamlessly combines comfort with a burst of flavor. This recipe elevates traditional meatballs with a homemade teriyaki sauce that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly sticky, making it perfect for any occasion.
Crafted with lean ground turkey and aromatic ingredients, these meatballs are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative. Paired with steamed broccoli and fluffy rice, they create a satisfying meal that is ideal for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Enjoy the culinary journey as you whip up these Teriyaki Meatballs, an enchanting fusion of flavors that will captivate your taste buds and leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this delightful recipe and transform your dinner routine into something extraordinary!
Teriyaki Meatballs Ingredients
In this delectable Teriyaki Meatballs recipe, the combination of ground turkey provides a lean yet flavorful foundation, while breadcrumbs add essential texture, ensuring each bite is satisfying. Fresh herbs like parsley infuse the meatballs with vibrant flavor, complemented by the aromatic notes of garlic and onion.
The homemade teriyaki sauce, crafted with rich soy sauce and sweet granulated sugar, balances savory and sweet elements perfectly. A hint of mirin brings depth and complexity, while ginger and garlic add a fragrant warmth. This sauce transforms ordinary meatballs into a sticky, irresistible delight, making every serving a memorable culinary experience.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of Teriyaki Meatballs, a dish that takes classic turkey meatballs to a new level. With a deliciously sticky homemade teriyaki sauce, these meatballs are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. To elevate your cooking experience, here are some handy tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this delightful recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Ground Turkey
For juicy and flavorful meatballs, opt for 93% lean ground turkey. This fat content strikes the perfect balance, ensuring your meatballs stay moist without becoming greasy. Avoid 99% fat-free options, as they can result in dry meatballs. - Make Ahead and Freeze
These meatballs are great for meal prep! After shaping the meatballs, you can freeze them raw or cooked. If freezing raw, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed. - Customize the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and heat of the teriyaki sauce to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red chili flakes or even a dash of sriracha. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly or add a touch of honey for extra depth.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Meatballs
- Steamed Broccoli
Bright green steamed broccoli is the perfect accompaniment to Teriyaki Meatballs. Its slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and sticky sauce, while also adding a nutritional boost. You can drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the broccoli for added flavor. - Fluffy Rice
Serve your meatballs on a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. The rice adds substance to the meal and balances the flavors, making each bite even more satisfying. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch. - Fresh Salad
A refreshing salad made with crisp greens, cucumbers, and shredded carrots provides a delightful crunch to your meal. Toss it in a light sesame dressing to tie the flavors together. This adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs and makes for a well-rounded dinner.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe features ground turkey for a leaner option, you can substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or pork. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different meats may require slight adjustments. - What if I can’t find mirin?
If mirin is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons dry white wine or rice vinegar combined with 1 teaspoon of sugar. This will mimic the sweet flavor profile of mirin. - How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Teriyaki Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. - Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage, then cook them from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
With these tips, serving suggestions, and answers to your questions, you’re now equipped to create a delightful Teriyaki Meatballs dish that’s sure to impress!
Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Mirin see note 1
- Fresh ginger see note 2
- Minced garlic
- Red chili flakes see note 3
- Cornstarch
- For the Meatballs:
- Ground turkey see note 5
- Bread crumbs panko, or rolled oats
- Minced onion
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Large eggs
- Minced garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
- For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Thinly sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- To Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, water, mirin, ginger, minced garlic, and, if desired, red chili flakes. Heat the mixture over medium-high until it reaches a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer.
- To create a cornstarch slurry, remove 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce and whisk in the cornstarch in a small bowl. Return this mixture to the saucepan and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes. You should end up with approximately 1 cup of sauce. Remove it from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature while you prepare the meatballs.
- To Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Spray a wire rack with nonstick spray and place it over the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, minced onion, chopped parsley, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
- Using a sturdy spatula or your hands (latex gloves are recommended), thoroughly mix the ingredients. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, which should yield approximately 48 pieces.
- Arrange the meatballs on the wire rack, brush them with olive oil, and bake for 10 minutes. After this time, remove them from the oven and brush half of the teriyaki sauce (about 1 cup) onto the meatballs.
- Return the meatballs to the oven and continue baking until the sauce becomes sticky and the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds, which should take an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Reserve the remaining teriyaki sauce for serving.
- To serve, create a bowl with cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the teriyaki meatballs. Drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce over the dish and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Ginger: Whole ginger root can be stored in the freezer and grated as needed. Alternatively, tubes of pre-grated ginger can often be found in the produce section, which work well for this recipe.
Red Pepper Flakes: You may choose to omit these if serving children, or increase the quantity if you prefer a spicier flavor.
Ground Turkey: Aim for 93% lean ground turkey for optimal moisture. Avoid 99% fat-free turkey, as it may result in dry meatballs.
Yield: This recipe produces at least 40 meatballs and approximately 2 cups of teriyaki sauce.
Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
