These Honey Sriracha Ground Turkey Meatballs are a flavor-packed twist on a classic, combining sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. Juicy turkey meatballs are coated in a sticky, glossy glaze that’s perfectly balanced—just enough heat from the sriracha and a touch of honey for sweetness. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re a quick yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of crunch from the glaze, these meatballs are as satisfying as they are nutritious. Packed with 31g of protein and bursting with bold flavors, they’re perfect for meal prep, appetizers, or a hearty main dish. Serve them over rice or with a side of veggies for a meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Honey Sriracha Ground Turkey Meatballs
- For the Meatballs:
- ▢ 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- ▢ 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or substitute with panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- ▢ 2 eggs (helps bind the meatballs)
- ▢ 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (yellow or white onion works best)
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- For the Sauce:
- ▢ 1/4 cup honey (or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor)
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for desired heat level)
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works too)
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- ▢ 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a nutty flavor)
- For Garnish (optional):
- ▢ 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in size. This should yield approximately 35-40 meatballs. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the meatballs: Cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and garnish: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and pour the sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle with diced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm as an appetizer, over rice, or with your favorite side dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Honey Sriracha Ground Turkey Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or make them the star of a meal by pairing them with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a fresh twist, toss them into a salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a light sesame dressing. Pro tip: Add a side of roasted broccoli or snap peas to balance the spicy-sweet flavors!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
These meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep them moist. Freezing is also an option: Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from the freezer in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Spice It Up (or Down): Recipe Variations
Customize these meatballs to suit your taste! If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon and add a bit more honey for sweetness. For a bolder kick, double the red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture. You can also swap ground turkey for ground chicken or pork if you’d like a different protein. Feeling adventurous? Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty twist!
Quick and Easy: Time-Saving Tips
Short on time? Use pre-minced garlic and pre-chopped onions to cut down on prep work. If you’re really in a rush, skip shaping the meatballs and bake the mixture as a loaf instead—just adjust the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. Bonus tip: Double the batch and freeze half for a future quick meal. You’ll thank yourself later!
Kitchen Essentials: Equipment Guidance
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few key tools: a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray, and a small saucepan for the sauce. A cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 inches) is handy for shaping uniform meatballs quickly. Don’t forget: A silicone spatula or whisk will help you mix the sauce smoothly without clumps!
Honey Sriracha Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish – optional
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients for meatballs until thoroughly combined. Shape into balls that are about 1 1/2 inches in size (should make about 35-40 meatballs).
- Set each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat while mixing sauce continuously, then reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes (or until it has thickened up).
- Remove meatballs from oven and pour sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.