Sweet and Spicy Turkey Meatballs

These glazed turkey meatballs will be the star of the show whether they're an appetizer or entree. Their delicious umami flavor comes from using MSG in both the meatball mix and the sauce!

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Keyword MSG, Sweet and Spicy, Turkey Meatballs

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 309kcal

Author Cara Harbstreet

Ingredients

Turkey Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey lean (93/7)
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup minced yellow onion
1 tbsp sesame seeds
3/4 tsp MSG
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

1/4 cup sriracha
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup sweet BBQ sauce
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp MSG
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Turkey Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a large sheet pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil. Oil or spray with nonstick spray, then set aside.
Crack the egg into a small bowl or measuring cup. Measure all other ingredients and add to a large mixing bowl.
Using clean hands, combine all ingredients for the meatball mixture. Do not overwork. Shape into approximately 3/4 oz. meatballs (about the size of a ping pong ball) and place 1/2-1" apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes or until edges begin to brown and internal temperature safely reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Measure all ingredients for the sauce into a measuring cup. Whisk to combine, then set aside until meatballs are finished cooking.
To serve, add the cooked meatballs to a mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, then use a spoon to carefully fold together until all meatballs are coated. Transfer to plates or bowls, if serving as an entree, or hold warm if serving as an appetizer.

Notes

One serving = 5 meatballs. As written, recipe yields 20 meatballs.

Nutrition