Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Japanese Style

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party. These meatballs are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are a modern twist on traditional meatballs, combining the flavors of teriyaki sauce with lean ground turkey. This recipe takes inspiration from Japanese cuisine, where teriyaki sauce is commonly used to glaze meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
1 egg, beaten
0.5 cup bottled teriyaki sauce
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
0.25 cup sesame seeds
vegetable oil for spraying

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, scallions, carrot, egg, teriyaki sauce, and bread crumbs.
Blend well.
Using a 2 oz (57 g) scoop, form meatballs with wet hands and place them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Sprinkle the meatballs with sesame seeds and spray them with vegetable oil.
Roast them in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

Variations

Substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add diced water chestnuts or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added crunch.
Use a homemade teriyaki sauce instead of bottled sauce for a more authentic flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use lean ground turkey for this recipe to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

- Wetting your hands before forming the meatballs will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

- Roasting the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and develop a nice golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and develop a nice golden brown crust. You can also cook them in a skillet on the stovetop if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground turkey, you can use ground chicken or pork instead. You can also use store-bought breadcrumbs or panko crumbs in place of fresh breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs on a platter garnished with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs with a side of steamed rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. They also pair well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through or warm them in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy in the form of teriyaki sauce, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without a lot of added calories.

Summary

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a main course or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a rainy day in Tokyo, and I had sought refuge in a small, quaint café. As I sipped on my green tea and watched the raindrops dance on the cobblestone streets, a kind elderly woman approached me and handed me a folded piece of paper.

"Here, dear, this is my famous teriyaki turkey meatball recipe. I think you will enjoy it," she said with a smile before disappearing into the bustling crowd.

Intrigued, I unfolded the paper and read the simple yet enticing ingredients list. Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and a few other pantry staples. The instructions were clear and concise, and I could almost taste the savory and sweet flavors just by reading them.

I knew I had to try making these meatballs for myself. The next day, I ventured out to the local market to gather all the necessary ingredients. As I walked through the bustling aisles, the sights and sounds of the vibrant city enveloped me, and I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Back in my cozy kitchen, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I minced the garlic and ginger, mixed them with the ground turkey and breadcrumbs, and formed them into perfectly round meatballs. The aroma of the ingredients mingling together filled the room, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the kind woman who had shared this recipe with me.

As the meatballs sizzled in the hot pan, I prepared the teriyaki sauce. The soy sauce, honey, and a touch of rice vinegar simmered together, creating a glossy glaze that coated the meatballs in a sticky, sweet goodness. I ladled the sauce over the meatballs, letting it soak into every crevice and infuse them with its rich, savory flavor.

When the meatballs were done, I plated them on a bed of steamed rice and garnished them with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The final touch was a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. I marveled at the beautiful dish before me, a masterpiece of flavors and textures that I had created with my own two hands.

I took a bite of the teriyaki turkey meatball, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The tender meatball was juicy and flavorful, the teriyaki sauce was sticky and sweet, and the rice provided the perfect canvas for all the vibrant flavors to shine. I closed my eyes and savored every bite, feeling grateful for the serendipitous encounter that had led me to this culinary masterpiece.

From that day on, teriyaki turkey meatballs became a staple in my kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite among them as well. Every time I made them, I thought of the kind woman who had gifted me this recipe and how her act of generosity had sparked a newfound passion for cooking in my heart.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I tried different herbs and spices, swapped out ingredients, and even tried different methods of cooking. Each time, the meatballs turned out delicious, but there was something special about that first time I made them in my cozy kitchen in Tokyo.

Now, whenever I make teriyaki turkey meatballs, I am transported back to that rainy day in Tokyo, where a simple act of kindness had blossomed into a lifelong love affair with cooking. And for that, I am forever grateful.