Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Honey Glazed Turkey Meatballs

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turkey meatballs

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Searching for a standout appetizer that’s both simple to whip up and oh-so-tasty? Well, I’ve got just the dish for you! I’ve whipped up these turkey meatballs numerous times, and let me tell you, they never fail to impress. Infused with a hint of spicy goodness, balanced perfectly with the mellowness of honey, these meatballs are bound to make your guests ask, “Hey, can I get that recipe?”

While you might be tempted to opt for hamburger meat, give turkey a try; it’s not only a delicious choice but a healthier one too. Now, let’s chat about that incredible sauce. Comprising sriracha, ketchup, and honey, it’s versatile enough to enhance any dish. Lucky me, I managed to snag a spicy sriracha-ketchup blend, which we’re now all about in our home. But don’t fret if you can’t locate a ready-made mix; simply combine one cup of ketchup with a quarter cup of sriracha, and you’re golden.

ingredients for turkey meatballs

Here’s What You Need:

  • Ground turkey: Lean meat alternative, main protein source.
  • Bread crumbs: Adds texture, helps bind the meatballs together.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binder, gives moisture and structure.
  • Milk: Enhances moisture, aids in binding the meat mixture.
  • Garlic powder & Onion powder: Flavor enhancers, depth to the meatball taste.
  • Red pepper flakes: Adds heat, a touch of spice.
  • Ketchup: Base for the sauce, tangy and sweet component.
  • Sriracha: Brings heat, depth to the sauce.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener, balances the spicy flavors.
  • Garlic (minced): Fresh aromatic, flavor booster.
  • Green onion (chopped) & Red onion (chopped): Adds texture, freshness, and a subtle onion flavor.
  • Fresh parsley: Herbaceous touch, enhances freshness.
  • Worcestershire: Umami and depth, enhances overall flavor.
  • Butter: Fatty component, base for sauce, enhances creaminess.
  • Salt & pepper: Seasoning essentials, enhances all flavors.
blended seasonings

Let’s Cook!

To kick things off, pulse the red and green onions, garlic, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley in a food processor. In a separate bowl, blend the pulsed mixture with the ground turkey, bread crumbs, and eggs.

mixing turkey with seasonings

Aim for a consistency where the meat is nearly dry but can still bind. Depending on the moisture, you might need to adjust the breadcrumbs to get that perfect texture.

mixed turkey

Roll those beauties! Shape the mixture into meatballs and lay them out on a baking sheet. Into the oven they go for a beautiful brown finish.

rolled turkey meatballs

But hey, if ovens aren’t your style, sear those meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they’re just the right shade of brown. Remember, it’s essential to ensure the meatballs are cooked thoroughly.

Sauce Simmering and Finishing Touches

As those meatballs are doing their thing, get your skillet out. Melt some butter over medium heat until it gets that frothy look. Then, it’s time to whisk in your ketchup, sriracha, and honey blend. Keep that sauce simmering for around fifteen minutes or until it adopts a deeper hue.

making sauce

Sriracha Honey Turkey Meatballs Tips:

  • Opt for fresh breadcrumbs: Using fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought can give a more tender result to your meatballs.
  • Meat consistency: If the meat mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a splash more milk.
  • Checking meatball doneness: Use a thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F for turkey meatballs.
  • Alternate meat options: While turkey is a lean choice, chicken can also be used if turkey isn’t available.
  • Sauce spiciness: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less sriracha and adjust according to your preference.
  • Freezing meatballs: You can prepare these in advance, freeze them on a tray, and then store in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

For my fellow party planners: I was headed to a pool party, so I chose to finish off my meatballs in a slow cooker for about an hour on low. This way, they stayed warm throughout the party – not that they lasted very long before they vanished!

sriracha honey turkey meatballs

These sriracha honey turkey meatballs are sure to be the talk of your next gathering. With a beautiful balance of sweet and heat, they strike the perfect chord for anyone’s palate. The turkey brings a lean twist to the traditional meatball, while the sauce guarantees a flavor explosion with every bite. Whether it’s a poolside party or a cozy dinner, these meatballs will have Hungry People coming back for seconds. And the best part? They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

bbq turkey meatballs

Sriracha Honey Turkey Meatballs

The Starving Chef
A sweet and spicy take on turkey meatballs with a sriracha honey glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Game Day
Cuisine Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
Servings 24 meatballs

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a food processor, blend together the red onion, parsley, green onion, and garlic.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add in the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and the blended onion mixture.
  • Mix using your hands until the meat has a firm consistency and does not easily stick to your palms. If necessary, adjust the texture by adding more bread crumbs or milk.
  • Shape the meat mixture into one-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and have started to brown. (ALTERNATE METHOD: If you prefer, you can sear the meatballs in a skillet on all sides until they're browned and cooked through).
  • While the meatballs are cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat until frothy. Add the ketchup, sriracha, and honey to the skillet. Stir the mixture until well combined and then let it simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce darkens.
  • Once done, pour the sauce over the meatballs and let them marinate until you're ready to serve. (Optional, but recommended: For an even richer flavor, place the meatballs in a slow cooker on low heat for an hour). Serve hot, and as always, enjoy!
Keyword honey, meatballs, sriracha, turkey
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