Looking for a combination of Italian and Asian? Aha – here we have it! Well, this recipe is only Italian in the sense that you’re making meatballs, but you get the point, right?
I love cooking Asian dishes, but sometimes I get a little tired of the same old stir fry combos. Then, I was flipping through my November copy of Everyday Food and I found an inspiring recipe for Asian turkey meatballs – brilliant! I used the recipe as a starting point and created my own version of the dish, which turned into a super healthy and extremely flavorful meal!
Don’t they look good even before cooking them? I think so.
The process is simple: after creating the mix and rolling the meatballs, you put a quick sear on them in a pan over medium-high heat.
Then, you pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes to complete the cooking process…
I cook a pot of sticky rice and stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a side dish (as well as some steamed broccoli). Yum!
Asian-Style Turkey Meatballs
*adapted from Everyday Food, November 2010
Ingredients
- Coarse salt
- 1/2 cup carrot, shredded
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey breast
- 3 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 4 teaspoons teriyaki sauce
- 4 teaspoons hot-pepper sauce (preferably Sriracha)
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and 3 tablespoons water. Let stand 5 minutes. Add turkey, scallion whites, carrots, cilantro, teriyaki sauce, hot-pepper sauce, sugar, garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Gently mix to combine and form into meatballs (I make mine about the size of a golf ball).
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high. In batches, brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total (add up to 1 teaspoon oil as needed). Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Serve meatballs with rice, scallion greens, lime wedges, and fresh steamed vegetables.
Looking for more turkey recipes?
Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Poblano Avocado Turkey Burger
Poblano Turkey Chili
These look super tasty! The best part is that I think I actually have all the ingredients already.. you just may have found me dinner!
Looks delicious! I might try these this week!
Those look absolutely delicious! And actually, the Japanese call meatballs “yakitori!”
The Hubs and I LOVE turkey meatballs, so I’m looking forward to trying this recipe to put a new spin on them!
I make a version of these and like to serve them with a spicy peanut sauce or a red thai curry sauce.
These look delish! I think it’s time to find gluten free panko breadcrumbs 😉
Yum. I also like Catherine’s suggestion of serving them with a sauce.
This looks delicious! Now, rookie question, but I have had the hardest time finding panko breadcrumbs at the grocery store…what section is it usually in?
Panko crumbs are usually in the International/Ethnic food aisle along with the other Asian spices/sauces! I’ve also seen it in the regular bread crumb aisle (alongside Shake N’Bake and flour) – Progresso brand.
Oooo, trying this tonight!!
OMG these sound good! I wonder if you could do part turkey and part beef? I’m still trying to get turned onto turkey….
I made these last night for the first time and oh my god they are delicious! So easy to make as well. Thanks for the recipe!
Wanted to drop by and let you know that this has become a staple in our house thanks to you! We’ll be having them for dinner tonight and I actually may double the recipe so I’ll have plenty for lunch for the next few days 🙂
Jaime – Oh my gosh, I love hearing that! 🙂 Sometimes I wonder if the food I make is good only to me…haha! 🙂