The perfect balance of sweet and savory, these Sticky Asian Glazed Meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser. They feature juicy, oven-baked turkey meatballs smothered in a luscious homemade glaze that bursts with bold flavors of hoisin, garlic, soy, and a subtle kick of sriracha.
Whether you serve them over fluffy rice or silky noodles, they deliver a comforting and protein-packed meal in just 30 minutes. These meatballs are ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even as a game-day appetizer. Make extra — they won’t last long!
Full Recipe:
Meatballs:
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2 lbs ground turkey
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2 tsp sesame oil
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1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
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1/2 tsp ground ginger
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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1 tsp minced garlic
Glaze:
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2/3 cup hoisin sauce
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1/3 cup rice vinegar
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2 1/2 tbsp honey
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1 tsp minced garlic
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1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp ground ginger
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
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Cooked white rice or noodles
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, sesame oil, bread crumbs, ginger, garlic, and beaten eggs until fully combined.
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Form mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
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While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze: In a skillet, combine all glaze ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
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Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the glaze until fully coated.
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Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 652 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavor-Packed Take on Classic Meatballs
Sticky Asian Glazed Meatballs are the perfect example of a traditional comfort food reimagined with bold, irresistible Asian flavors. Swapping out the usual Italian-style seasonings and tomato sauces, this dish takes meatballs in a totally different direction — one that’s sweet, savory, sticky, and utterly satisfying. Whether served as a main course over rice or noodles, or as a party appetizer, these glazed meatballs are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Why Choose Ground Turkey for This Dish?
Ground turkey serves as a leaner alternative to beef or pork, making this version of Asian meatballs a bit lighter without compromising flavor. It has a tender texture that absorbs seasonings well and is ideal for soaking up the rich glaze used in this recipe. For those looking to reduce their red meat consumption or cut down on fat, turkey is an excellent protein source, and it pairs exceptionally well with the sweet-and-spicy sauce.
The Sauce: Sticky, Sweet, and Savory
What truly sets this dish apart is the Asian-style glaze. It combines hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and a splash of sriracha to deliver a rich, complex flavor. Hoisin brings a deep umami sweetness, while vinegar provides a slight tang that cuts through the richness. Soy sauce lends saltiness, garlic and ginger add warmth and fragrance, and honey creates that sticky consistency we all crave in a glazed dish. The result is a beautifully thick sauce that clings to the meatballs, turning them into glossy, flavorful bites.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Sticky Asian Glazed Meatballs aren’t just delicious right out of the oven — they also reheat beautifully. This makes them a go-to option for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for several days or even freeze them for future meals. Just portion them with rice or noodles into containers, and lunch is sorted for the week. The flavor develops even more as the glaze continues to infuse the meatballs over time, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even better the next day.
A Hit for All Ages and Occasions
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, adventurous food lovers, or guests at a dinner party, these meatballs are likely to impress. The glaze is customizable in terms of spice level, so you can make it mild for kids or amp it up with extra sriracha or chili flakes for those who like a little heat. Serve them at game day parties with toothpicks for easy snacking, or present them as an elegant entree garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
How to Customize the Recipe
One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can switch out the protein if desired — ground chicken, pork, or beef all work well. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based ground meat or lentil-based meatball mixtures. The sauce can be sweetened with maple syrup or agave if you’re avoiding refined sugars, and rice vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions for a Balanced Meal
These sticky meatballs are fantastic served over a bed of white jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair them with stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to add color, texture, and nutritional value. A side of Asian slaw with sesame dressing or a bowl of miso soup makes for a complete, nourishing meal.
If you’re serving them as appetizers, consider offering small skewers or toothpicks, alongside dipping sauces like chili garlic sauce, extra hoisin, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip to balance the spice.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being lower in fat thanks to the use of ground turkey, this dish offers a good balance of macronutrients — lean protein from the meatballs, carbohydrates from rice or noodles, and potential fiber and vitamins from any vegetables you choose to add. The glaze is flavorful enough that you don’t need to add much salt or fat, and with the option to adjust ingredients like soy sauce and sweeteners, you can tailor it to meet specific dietary needs.
Cultural Inspiration Behind the Flavors
While this dish is not traditional to any one Asian cuisine, it draws inspiration from Chinese and Southeast Asian flavor profiles — particularly the use of hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. The harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes is characteristic of many Asian dishes, and it’s what makes these meatballs so memorable. By incorporating these ingredients into a familiar Western dish like meatballs, this recipe creates a delicious cultural fusion that appeals to a broad range of palates.
Cooking Tips for Success
To get the juiciest texture, avoid over-mixing your meatball mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough. Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon ensures uniform sizing, which helps them cook evenly. Don’t skip baking them on parchment paper — it makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
When it comes to the glaze, let it boil gently until it reduces slightly and becomes glossy. You want a consistency thick enough to cling to the meatballs without becoming too sticky or caramelized. Once you toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze, let them sit for a minute or two so they can fully absorb the sauce.
Presentation and Garnishes
For a professional-looking finish, garnish the dish with white or black sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. These simple additions add visual appeal and a subtle crunch. If you’re aiming to impress guests, serve the meatballs over a sculpted mound of rice or on an elegant platter, drizzled with extra glaze.
Kid-Friendly and Freezer-Friendly
Because the spice level is adjustable, this recipe can easily be made kid-friendly. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the glaze and opt for a milder flavor. Kids love the finger food aspect of meatballs, and the slightly sweet glaze is usually a hit with little ones.
For long-term storage, freeze fully cooked and glazed meatballs in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat in the oven or microwave, and they’re just as tasty as when first made.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Modern Favorite
Sticky Asian Glazed Meatballs are more than just a creative dinner idea — they’re a delicious, nourishing, and practical meal solution that fits into any lifestyle. With their dynamic flavor profile, ease of preparation, and versatility, they check all the boxes for a go-to recipe that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights, at dinner parties, or during meal prep sessions. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing dinner guests, or simply looking to shake up your usual rotation, these glazed meatballs deserve a permanent spot on your menu.