These Sweet Sesame Ginger Meatballs are Asian style turkey meatballs that can be served as an appetizer or on a bed of rice for a complete meal!
Somehow, this is the first meatball recipe posted here on SFS! I know, I’m as shocked as you are. However, I have to say, these Sweet Sesame Ginger Meatballs are a pretty amazing first meatball.
Not only are these little sweet sesame bites of Asian inspired turkey meatballs easy to make, but because they’re made with ground turkey, they’re lower in saturated fat that ground beef, but still packs the same protein punch.
Ingredients Needed:
- Ground turkey – Ground chicken is also great for this!
- Panko bread crumbs – You could also use a regular bread crumb
- Egg – To bind
- Sesame oil – This is necessary fat added to the meatballs since the turkey itself is so lean. Plus it adds a great sesame flavor.
- Soy Sauce – This sauce can be on the saltier side so we recommend using low-sodium soy sauce if using store-bought hoisin.
- Hoisin – To finish the meatballs in, a coat of sweetness. Did you know you can make your own Homemade Hoisin Sauce?
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic – You can totally use powdered, too. See recipe notes
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onion – To garnish
Do you have everything in your pantry already? Ok maybe not the panko bread crumbs, but if you don’t, you should. That way you can also make Baked Panko Chicken Tenders, Ranch Chicken Tenders, and Panko Parmesan Zucchini Fritters!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the ground turkey and fresh minced ginger and garlic to a large bowl. Give it all a good mix, first.
Step 2: Next, mix in the sesame oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, and panko breadcrumbs and give it another good mix.
Tip: Not sure about the flavor? No problem – just try it! No no, don’t eat raw meat! Take a tiny bit and give it a quick fry in a pan with some oil to taste it. Then you’ll know if it’s missing something. But trust me, if you like sweet and salty flavors – you’re going to love these!
Step 3: Roll out your meatballs.
Tip: Be gentle! Don’t roll your meatballs too tightly. If they’re packed too tightly, then you’re going to get tough, chewy, and rubbery meatballs.
Step 4: Bake in the oven.
While there is a time and a place for pan-frying meatballs, baking these are our preferred method.
Step 5: Give the little meatballs one last cook in a sauté pan in a sweet-salty hoisin soy sauce mixture until it bubble and thickens and coats the meatballs.
And done! Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions and these Sweet Sesame Ginger Meatballs are little bites of sweet, salty, Asian-inspired deliciousness.
How to Serve:
With ANYTHING.
As an appetizer, on a toothpick.
Or as a meal, on a bed of rice like our Coconut Jasmine Rice!
Or just eat out of a bowl! However you want to serve them, do it. Just make them. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Other Take-Out Inspired Dishes
20-Minute Sweet and Spicy Noodles
Super Easy Vegetarian Fried Rice
Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken
Chicken and Broccoli Sesame Noodles
Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Sweet Sesame Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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