Looking for ways to level up your meal prep? These Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are exactly what you need! Juicy, flavorful, and glazed with a teriyaki sauce that’s just the right amount of sweet and savory. Paired with your favorite veggies or rice, these meatballs make lunch something to actually look forward to. Plus, they’re super easy to make—perfect for those of us who want delicious food without spending all day in the kitchen. Prep a batch and thank yourself later! This recipe is gluten-free, but for low-carb, keto, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and whole30 alternatives, head over to this section!
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Ingredients
- Ground turkey: A lean source of protein, ground turkey is lower in fat compared to beef, making it a healthier choice for meatballs while still being flavorful and satisfying.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold together while adding a bit of extra protein and moisture to keep them tender.
- 1 cup almond flour or bread crumbs: Almond flour is a great gluten-free option that adds a subtle nutty flavor and healthy fats, while traditional bread crumbs offer a classic texture and help the meatballs hold their shape.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Brings a savory depth to the meatballs, enhancing the overall flavor with its rich, aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki glaze.
- 1/2 cup onion chopped: Adds moisture and sweetness, balancing the savory flavors and ensuring the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Tamari: Infuses the meatballs with a rich umami flavor, tying in the Asian-inspired teriyaki theme and providing a savory, salty kick.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, complementing the savory soy sauce and creating a balanced, slightly caramelized finish that enhances the teriyaki glaze.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Want to turn up the heat? Add some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce. It’s like giving your taste buds a little wake-up call—perfect for those who like their meals with a side of spice.
- Sweet & Tangy: Swap out some of the teriyaki sauce for a splash of pineapple juice. It’s a sweet and tangy twist that’ll have you dreaming of tropical beaches—who knew meatballs could transport you to paradise?
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding finely grated carrots, zucchini, or even spinach to the meatball mix. Your kids (and maybe even your picky partner) will never know they’re eating something good for them. Plus, it keeps the meatballs juicy!
- Garlic Lovers: Amp up the flavor by adding extra minced garlic to both the meatballs and the teriyaki sauce. Because, let’s be honest, when is more garlic ever a bad thing?
- Ginger Zing: Add a bit of fresh grated ginger to your meatball mix for a zingy kick. It pairs perfectly with the teriyaki and gives your meatballs an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Asian-Inspired Sliders: Turn these meatballs into mini sliders by serving them on small buns with a dollop of teriyaki sauce and a bit of crunchy slaw.
- Noodle Swap: Instead of rice, serve your teriyaki meatballs over soba noodles or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a different twist. It’s a fun change-up that still hits all the right flavor notes.
- Crispy Finish: Want a little crunch? After baking, give your meatballs a quick sear in a hot pan with a bit of oil to crisp up the outside. It adds a whole new texture dimension that’s totally worth the extra step.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions into the meatball mix or as a garnish. It’s a simple way to add freshness and color to your dish—plus, it looks fancy without any extra effort.
- Meal Prep Power: Divide your teriyaki turkey meatballs into containers with different sides like steamed broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad. That way, you’re not stuck eating the same exact meal every day—variety is the spice of life, after all!
- Cheesy Surprise: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of cheese before cooking. When you take that first bite, you’ll get a melty, gooey surprise that takes these meatballs to a whole new level of comfort food goodness.
- BBQ Mashup: Not in the mood for teriyaki? Swap the sauce entirely for your favorite BBQ sauce. You’ll still get juicy, flavorful meatballs, but with a smoky, tangy twist that’s perfect for when you’re craving something different.
Adapt This Recipe to Your Diet
- Low-Carb: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You’ll keep that teriyaki flavor you love while cutting back on the carbs. Your waistline will thank you.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’ve got yourself a gluten-free feast. Those meatballs are too good to miss out on, even if gluten isn’t your friend.
- Keto-Friendly: Ditch the traditional sweeteners in the teriyaki sauce and go for a keto-approved alternative like monk fruit or stevia. Serve with cauliflower rice and you’re good to go—low-carb, high flavor.
- Paleo: Keep it paleo by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap out any added sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Pair your turkey meatballs with sweet potato noodles or roasted veggies for a truly paleo experience.
- Vegan: Who says meatballs have to be made of meat? Sub in some tempeh or tofu for the turkey and use a plant-based teriyaki sauce. Serve with your favorite grains or veggies and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is cruelty-free.
- Dairy-Free: Good news—this recipe is already dairy-free! But if you’re tempted to sprinkle some cheese on top (because who isn’t?), opt for a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. Your taste buds won’t even notice.
- Whole30: Skip the sugar entirely in the teriyaki sauce and stick with coconut aminos for that savory-sweet balance. Serve with zoodles or a big pile of steamed veggies to keep it Whole30 compliant and deliciously satisfying.
- Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, just make sure your teriyaki sauce is nut-free—no peanut butter hiding in there! Pair your meatballs with rice or quinoa and dig in without a worry.
- Comfort Food Twist: If you’re all about that comfort food life, serve these teriyaki turkey meatballs over mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta. It’s not exactly a diet variation, but it’s a variation that’ll make your stomach very, very happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These teriyaki turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep. Cook them up on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week. They hold up great in the fridge.
- How long do they stay fresh?
- Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these meatballs will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Perfect for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners!
- Can I freeze the meatballs?
- You bet! Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to dig in.
- What’s the best way to reheat them?
- The microwave is your friend here. Just a minute or two and they’re good to go. If you’re feeling fancy, you can reheat them in a skillet with a splash of extra teriyaki sauce to keep them juicy.
- What can I serve with these meatballs?
- Go classic with some steamed rice and broccoli, or mix it up with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a side of roasted veggies. They’re versatile, so pair them with whatever you love.
- How do I keep them from drying out?
- Don’t overcook them! Stick to the cooking times, and you’ll have juicy, tender meatballs every time. Adding a little bit of extra sauce during reheating helps too.
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
- Definitely! Ground chicken works just as well and gives a slightly different flavor. You can even mix turkey and chicken if you want the best of both worlds.
- What if I like my food spicy?
- Easy fix—just add a bit of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or the sauce. Spice things up to your liking!
- Can I add veggies to the meatballs?
- Sure thing! Finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can be mixed in with the turkey for a bit of extra nutrition.
- What’s the best way to store these for meal prep?
- Divide the meatballs into individual portions with your favorite sides, and store them in meal prep containers. It makes grabbing lunch or dinner a no-brainer.
- Are these kid-friendly?
- Totally! The flavor is mild and sweet, which kids usually love. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get them to eat some extra protein.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Absolutely, double away! These meatballs are great for feeding a crowd or stocking up the freezer.
- How do I make the sauce stick better?
- Toss the meatballs in the sauce while they’re still hot from the oven. They’ll soak it up, giving you that sticky, flavorful glaze everyone loves.
More Meal Prep Recipes!
- Whole30 Turkey Meatballs
- Mexican Bowl Meal Prep
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
- Sweet Chili Chicken Meal Prep
- Leftover Chicken Curry Meal Prep
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Meal Prep
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Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Meal Prep
Looking for ways to level up your meal prep? These Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are exactly what you need! Juicy, flavorful, and glazed with a teriyaki sauce that's just the right amount of sweet and savory. Paired with your favorite veggies or rice, these meatballs make lunch something to actually look forward to.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond flour or bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 tbsp tamari sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup tamari sauce or soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp topioca flour or corn starch
Sides
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups broccoli cooked or frozen
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
Mix all of the meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs using your hands. Place the meatballs evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until internal temps reaches 165 F.
Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions and make the teriyaki sauce.
For the sauce: Start by mixing the cornstarch with 1/4 cup cornstarch and stir vigorously until fully diluted. Then, mix all of the ingredients from the teriyaki sauce ingredients section above and cook in a large skillet over medium, stirring frequently, until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and place them in the skillet. Gently coat them evenly with the sauce over medium heat for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Serve the meatballs on a bed of rice, with a side of frozen or cooked broccoli.
Can be kept in separate meal prep containers in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
You can browse the various sections above the recipe card for more ideas and specific instructions about this recipe.
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