Name: Asian Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: meatballs
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground turkey; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce); 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 egg; handful cilantro, coarsely chopped; 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil, for cooking; additional sesame and chopped cilantro for topping; 1/4 cup avocado oil; 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce); 1 tablespoon agave nectar; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

This is an overhead image of a pan of turkey meatballs. The meatballs are in a soy sauce with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds on top. — Asian turkey meatballs are the best easy recipe for a weeknight meal. Throw them on top of pasta or spaghetti squash, it’s so flavorful!

Asian turkey meatballs are packed with flavor and and smothered in a mouthwatering sweet sauce. They’re the perfect addition to any meal, or serve them with some toothpicks as an appetizer!

I’m on a quest to make allll types of meatballs. So far I have the best vegetarian meatballs around. I have some others in the lineup coming atchu soon, but for now I’d like to introduce you to your new favorite meatball. The meatball to end all meatballs.

I wish I could express my love for these meatballs. But, I cannot. You need to try them. I drool just thinking about them. They’re so delicious on top of some spaghetti, or veggie noodles like zoodles or spaghetti squash.

This is an overhead image of a blue and white bowl with raw ground turkey, fresh cilantro mixed together. A gold fork is in the bowl to mix it in. The bowl sits on a white surface.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Asian Turkey Meatballs:

Ground Turkey – because these are turkey meatballs, that’s what we’re using, silly! But, if you want to switch it up you could try ground chicken, pork, or beef!
Onion – this is going to add a lot of delicious flavor to these meatballs!
Garlic – measure it with your heart.
Tamari – I usually have tamari but you can also use soy sauce if you prefer!
Hot Sauce – for a bit of heat, but not too much!
Sesame Oil – for some sweet sesame flavor for these turkey meatballs.
An Egg – to bind it all together!
Sesame Seeds – adds to vibe
Cilantro – more flavor and beautiful bits of green happiness

How to make Asian Turkey Meatballs:

First, fork your ground turkey so it’s broken up. Does that make sense? Like smash it with your fork!

Then, add the onion, garlic, tamari (or soy sauce), hot sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and egg. Use your fork to mix everything together. Fold in the cilantro.

Place a few tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Make golf-sized balls from the meatball mixture and place them into the coconut oil. Fill the entire pan with balls, and turn down the heat to medium.

Use tongs to flip the balls after about 5 minutes. Cook another 5 minutes and flip again. Continue to turn the meatballs until they are cooked through, another 5-10 minutes. Turn down the heat a bit if they are too brown when you turn them.

In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, tamari (or soy sauce), agave nectar (honey or maple syrup works), hot sauce, and sesame oil.

When you only have a few minutes left for cooking, pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce reduces a bit.

Serve over noodles, zoodles, in a lettuce wrap, the list goes on!

This is a side view of turkey meatballs in a pan. A gold spoon is scooping up the meatball. The meatballs are in a soy sauce with sesame seeds and cilantro.

How to Store these Meatballs

Fridge. These meatballs can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for about one week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezer. You can also freeze these meatballs in an airtight container for about 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

What should I serve these meatballs with?

So many good options! Serve these meatballs alongside something to complete the meal.

Pasta. Any noodles or even zoodles would be delicious. You could do anything from spaghetti to macaroni. Drizzle it with the sauce from the pan.

Rice. Serve them on top of rice or quinoa! Add some veggies like snap peas, carrots and adds extra cilantro and sesame seeds on top.

Salad. Always a good idea! Make a salad like this Sesame Soy Kale Salad and plop some meatballs on top (or on the side)!

Make them an appetizer!

If you’re having a party and in a pinch for an easy appetizer everyone will love, put these meatballs in a shallow bowl and add some cute toothpicks! Shower them with some chopped cilantro and sesame seeds and voila! Easy party app everyone will love!

More Meatballs to Try

GF Gluten-Free DF Dairy-Free