Name: Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tbsp. sugar; 1/2 tbsp. sambal oelek; 2 tbsp. rice vinegar; 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. water; 1/2 tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos); 2 tsp. cornstarch; 1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey; 3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs; 1 tsp. dried parsley; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 egg; 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Introduction

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs are a deliciously flavorful and slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender turkey meatballs are coated in a glossy, homemade sweet chili sauce that adds just the right balance of heat and sweetness. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

A white bowl is filled with many small golden brown meatballs covered in a shiny, sticky glaze. The meatballs are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl rests on a dark blue cloth with white stripes, which is spread over a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl is a small gray container holding several wooden toothpicks. The overall look is bright and inviting, focusing on the appetizing, glazed meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp. sugar

1/2 tbsp. sambal oelek

2 tbsp. rice vinegar

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. water

1/2 tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos)

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey

3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 egg

1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Using a mini ice cream scoop or kitchen scale, portion out 20 meatballs, each about 1 ounce. Arrange them on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to cook evenly until fully cooked and lightly browned.

Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sweet chili sauce. Combine sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and tamari in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce while it’s boiling.

Step 7: Continue stirring the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy. Once thickened and coating the spoon or whisk, remove it from the heat.

Step 8: Toss the cooked meatballs directly in the sauce until well coated.

Step 9: Serve the meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Provide toothpicks for easy serving.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers instead of regular panko bread crumbs.

Adjust the heat by adding more or less sambal oelek to suit your spice preference.

These meatballs also taste great served over steamed rice or rice noodles for a more filling meal.

Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance. Keep them refrigerated and toss them in the sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have sambal oelek?

If you don’t have sambal oelek, you can substitute with another chili paste or a small amount of chili flakes mixed with water for similar heat and flavor.