Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl

Name: Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 4 cups cooked rice; Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, etc.)

Highlighted under: Cross-Cultural Cooking Recipes

I absolutely love creating quick and healthy meals, and this Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl is one of my favorites. The tender turkey meatballs, combined with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, come together beautifully over a bed of rice. It's a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it's so versatile that you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add a spice kick if that's what you're after. Trust me, your whole family will love it!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-12T19:54:18.825Z

When I first made these Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, I was shocked by how delicious and simple they were to prepare. I combined ground turkey with fresh ginger and garlic for that authentic Asian flair, and the teriyaki sauce really brings it all together. Cooking them in the oven gives them a nice crisp outside while remaining juicy inside, and served over rice or noodles, it's truly a crowd-pleaser!

One tip that works wonders is letting the meatballs rest after baking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more! Feel free to toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas for that extra crunch. It's a fun, flavorful way to add more veggies to your plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory turkey meatballs bursting with umami flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices

Key Techniques for Perfect Meatballs

The key to achieving tender and flavorful turkey meatballs lies in the mixing technique. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, so be sure to combine the ingredients just until incorporated. I recommend using your hands for the mixing; it allows you to feel the texture and ensure that everything is evenly distributed without overworking the meat.

Shaping the meatballs consistently is crucial for even cooking. Aim for 1-inch balls, which will cook through more quickly and evenly than larger or smaller sizes. If your hands get sticky while shaping, lightly dampening them can help prevent the mixture from sticking, allowing you to form perfect spheres.

Customizing Your Teriyaki Sauce

This teriyaki sauce balances sweet and savory flavors, but you can easily make it your own! If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce. You can also experiment with other sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer on low heat a bit longer—keep an eye on it, as it can quickly go from thick to burnt. If it gets too thick, adding a splash of water can adjust the consistency while preventing it from losing flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a complete meal, pair your Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl with an array of colorful steamed vegetables. Broccoli, snow peas, and bell peppers can add texture and nutrition. The bright colors not only make your dish visually appealing but also contribute to a good balance of flavors and nutrients.

If you're looking for a low-carb option, consider serving the meatballs on a bed of cauliflower rice or tucked into lettuce wraps. Both options will deliver the satisfying flavors of the dish while keeping the calorie count lower.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For Serving

4 cups cooked rice
Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, etc.)

Make sure to prep your veggies ahead of time for a quicker assembly when serving!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Serve it Up

In bowls, serve a portion of rice topped with meatballs and drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Add steamed vegetables on the side and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Teriyaki Turkey Meatball Bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different ground meats or even a vegetarian substitute. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce.

Storage Tips

Once prepared, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the meatballs from drying out, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it incredibly convenient to have quick meals ready to go during busy weeks.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a leaner option, ground chicken or a combination of turkey and pork can work beautifully in this meatball recipe. Just be aware that different meats will affect the flavor, so adjust your seasoning accordingly to achieve the desired taste.

For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to ensure that the entire dish remains compliant with gluten-free diets while still being delicious.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary when baking more meatballs; check for doneness using a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

When scaling, consider using multiple baking sheets if necessary, and rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even baking. If you're doubling for a crowd, preparing a double batch of teriyaki sauce is also wise to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to use them.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy work wonderfully.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs.