This is the best sticky Asian glazed meatballs recipe — a sweet, savory dinner that’s easy to make. Tender ground turkey meatballs are coated in a homemade sticky Asian glaze for an irresistible family meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day.
This versatile Asian glazed meatballs recipe has become a favorite at home. They work equally well as an easy weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for guests. Made with ground turkey, the meatballs stay tender and lean, and they’re covered in a sticky homemade glaze made from hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sriracha. The balance of sweet, salty, and umami is addictive — these meatballs disappear fast.
They’re simple to make and easy to lighten up by using ground turkey. Combine the turkey with sesame oil, plain breadcrumbs, ginger, garlic, and beaten eggs, mix thoroughly, form into balls, and bake. While they bake, simmer the glaze ingredients until slightly thickened, then toss the hot meatballs in the sauce to coat. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful, flavorful meal.
Ingredients for Your Asian Meatballs Recipe
- Ground Turkey: You can substitute pork, chicken, or beef if preferred.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty Asian aroma to the meatballs and the sauce.
- Plain Bread Crumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or panko for a lighter texture.
- Ground Ginger: Fresh grated ginger works well as a substitute.
- Eggs: Bind the meatball mixture so it holds together while baking.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh or jarred minced garlic; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Hoisin Sauce: Provides a sweet-savory base for the glaze.
- Rice Vinegar: Mildly sweet and bright; apple cider vinegar can be used if needed.
- Honey: Gives the sauce sweetness and that glossy, sticky finish.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium to reduce saltiness.
- Sriracha: Optional — adjust to taste or omit for no heat.
- Rice or Noodles for Serving: White rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles pair well.
- Most of these ingredients are pantry staples if you enjoy Asian flavors.
How to make Asian Glazed Meatballs
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 cup plain bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 2 lightly beaten eggs. Mix with your hands until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Scoop 1½-inch portions of the mixture and roll into individual meatballs.
- Step 4: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–23 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
- Step 5: While the meatballs bake, make the glaze: in a skillet combine 2/3 cup hoisin sauce, 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 2½ Tbsp honey, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1½ tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tsp sriracha. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and simmer about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Transfer the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
- Step 7: Serve immediately over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Meat: Ground turkey keeps these meatballs lean, but ground pork, chicken, or beef also work. Pork or beef will add more fat and richness.
Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter, crispier texture; plain breadcrumbs keep them more tender.
Rice Vinegar vs. White Vinegar: Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweet, which complements the glaze. Avoid white vinegar as it can be too sharp here.
What to Serve with Sticky Glazed Asian Meatballs
These meatballs are lovely over steamed rice or tossed with noodles. Serve with sautéed or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A crunchy cabbage-based side also pairs well to add texture and freshness.
Asian Meatballs Recipe FAQ’s
What will keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Eggs and breadcrumbs act as binders and help the meatballs hold their shape while baking.
Can I garnish these Asian style meatballs with sesame seeds?
Yes — sesame seeds add a pleasant crunch and enhance the presentation.
Will these Asian meatballs taste the same with a meat other than turkey?
Flavors will vary slightly by meat choice, but the glaze ties everything together and they remain delicious with chicken, pork, or beef.
Other Asian Inspired Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken
- Pineapple Chicken
- Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Sesame Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Asian Glazed Meatballs
April King
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground turkey
- 2 tsp. sesame oil, for meatballs
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs, plain
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. minced garlic, for meatballs
Asian Glaze Ingredients
- 2/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. minced garlic, for sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil, for sauce
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. siracha sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease the sheet.
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In a large bowl combine ground turkey, sesame oil, bread crumbs, ground ginger, eggs, and minced garlic. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined.
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Form the mixture into 1½” meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 20–23 minutes or until cooked through.
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While they bake, combine hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha in a skillet.
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Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and simmer about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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