Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Lean Ground Turkey (93% lean or higher recommended; can substitute with ground chicken, pork, or lean ground beef. Ensure it is fresh and of good quality.)
• 1 cup Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs (Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs. Regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or almond flour can be substituted. Adjust quantity if needed based on consistency.)
• 2 Large Eggs (Used as a binder for the meatballs. Ensure eggs are fresh. Lightly whisk before adding to the mixture.)
• 0.25 cup Green Onions (Finely chopped; about 2-3 green onions. Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness. Reserve some for garnish.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adds garlic flavor to the meatballs. Can substitute with 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic for more intense flavor.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Season to taste. Start with this amount and adjust as necessary.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground recommended for the best flavor.)
• 0.25 cup Sriracha Sauce (Adjust to desired spice level; start with 2 tablespoons for less heat. Use a high-quality sriracha for better flavor.)
• 3 tablespoons Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce (Can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Low-sodium is recommended to control saltiness.)
• 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Adds tanginess; substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.)
• 3 tablespoons Honey (Adds sweetness and thickens the sauce. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be substituted but will slightly alter the flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Grated; about 1 inch of ginger. Adds a warm, aromatic flavor. Can use 1 teaspoon ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced; about 1 tablespoon, fresh is recommended for best results. Avoid burning when simmering.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Adds a nutty flavor. Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil if sesame oil is not available.)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just mixed. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough; mix until ingredients are just incorporated.
3. Using a 1.5 inch cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into approximately 40 meatballs. Slightly wet hands can help prevent the mixture from sticking and make the rolling process smoother. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
4. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even browning.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball to check for doneness. Cooking time may vary based on oven.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey sriracha glaze.
7. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sriracha sauce, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Ensure the pan is clean before adding the ingredients.
8. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly to avoid burning. Pay close attention to prevent scorching.
9. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened into a glaze, stirring occasionally. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. If there is excess grease on the baking sheet, gently pat the cooked meatballs with a paper towel to remove it. Removing excess fat will improve the taste and texture.
11. Transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the honey sriracha glaze.
12. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the glaze, ensuring each meatball is well covered. Be careful not to break the meatballs.
13. Serve immediately over your choice of cooked rice (brown, white, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option), quinoa, noodles, or as appetizers with toothpicks.
14. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add extra heat.
15. Enjoy your delicious Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs!