Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Zest of 1 orange - Salt and pepper to taste To make the turkey meatballs, I use ground turkey. It keeps the dish lean and healthy. I add breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a nice depth of flavor. Chopped green onions add a fresh touch. The egg helps hold everything together. Minced garlic and grated ginger bring great taste. Finally, I add orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning! - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water - Sesame seeds for garnish For the orange glaze, I start with fresh orange juice. This gives a vibrant flavor. Honey adds sweetness that balances well. Soy sauce provides a savory note. I use a cornstarch and water mix to thicken the glaze. This makes it glossy and perfect for coating the meatballs. Finally, I sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch and a lovely look. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs not stick. 2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, orange zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. 3. Form Meatballs: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Aim for sizes about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even cooking. 1. Bake Meatballs: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that they are cooked through and golden brown. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 2. Make the Orange Glaze: While the meatballs bake, grab a small saucepan. Over medium heat, mix the fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. When it simmers, add the cornstarch-water mix. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and shines. 3. Coat Meatballs with Glaze: Carefully move the baked meatballs to a large bowl. Drizzle the orange glaze over them. Gently toss the meatballs to coat them evenly in the sauce. 4. Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for garnish. This adds flavor and makes the dish visually appealing. Serve warm for a delightful meal! For great meatballs, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the meatballs can turn tough. Just combine the ingredients until they are mixed, and then stop. Using a kitchen scale helps create uniform sizes. This way, all the meatballs cook evenly. Aim for meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. To get the right thickness for the glaze, cook it at medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon when it's ready. Adjusting the sweetness and tanginess is easy. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, add a splash of extra orange juice. Experiment until you find your perfect blend! Pro Tips Keep it Moist: To ensure your turkey meatballs stay juicy, do not overmix the ingredients. Just combine until everything is incorporated. Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the orange glaze by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference. Experiment with Flavors: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the meatball mixture, such as fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or quinoa and a side of veggies for a complete meal that's both delicious and nutritious. {{image_4}} You can change ground turkey to chicken or beef. This swap gives a new taste. Chicken will stay moist, while beef adds a rich flavor. Both options work great. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light and fluffy. They won’t change the taste much, so don’t worry! To spice things up, add red pepper flakes for heat. This small change makes the meatballs exciting. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness. These herbs add fresh flavors. You can sneak in veggies too! Finely chopped carrots or bell peppers add color and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them very small. This helps them blend into the meatball mix. To store your orange glazed turkey meatballs, cool them completely first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep air out. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months for best taste. When you are ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat until warm. You can also use the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just cover them to keep moisture in. Enjoy your meal! How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? You can check the meatballs by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). When they are done, they will be firm and golden brown outside. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The center should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear. Can I make the glaze in advance? Yes, you can make the orange glaze ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to use it, reheat it in a small saucepan until warm. If it thickens too much, add a little water to adjust the texture. What sides pair well with orange glazed turkey meatballs? Several sides go well with these meatballs. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty base. - Stir-fried vegetables for crunch and color. - A fresh salad with citrus dressing to balance the flavors. - Mashed sweet potatoes provide a sweet contrast. These sides enhance the meal and offer a variety of textures and flavors. Enjoy! In this article, we explored how to make delicious orange glazed turkey meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and cooking methods. I shared tips for meatball perfection and variations to suit your taste. Remember, cooking is fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or ingredients. You can enjoy this dish fresh or store it for later. Keep experimenting, and you'll impress everyone at the table with your cooking.$

Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 zest orange
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
for garnish sesame seeds
for garnish additional chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, orange zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden-brown, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Transfer the baked meatballs to a serving bowl, drizzle the orange glaze over them, and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor and presentation.

Keyword appetizer, meatballs, orange glaze, turkey