If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of “meatballs” conjures up cozy family dinners—those evenings filled with laughter and a little too much red wine. But, these aren’t your average meatballs.
Picture this: turkey meatballs dancing in a spicy gochujang glaze, a symphony of savory and sweet with a kick that might just make you forget about everything else on the table.
They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or just a random Tuesday when you need a little culinary adventure.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by covering it with foil and lightly spraying it with oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the glaze.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, panko bread crumbs, egg, and chopped scallion whites. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 21 meatballs, each weighing about 1 ounce. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the center of the oven for 20 minutes.
- Switch the oven to the broil setting on high, and position the rack 5 to 6 inches from the heat source.
- Brush the meatballs with the glaze and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are nicely glazed.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallion greens for garnish.
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish accompanied by rice, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- Scallion greens
Nutritional Values
Calories: 980 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Protein: 98 g | Fat: 49 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Cholesterol: 525 mg | Sodium: 2247 mg | Fiber: 3.5 g | Sugar: 21 g
FAQ
- What is gochujang, and where can I find it?
- Gochujang is a thick, spicy red chili paste that is a staple in Korean cuisine. It adds a depth of flavor and a spicy kick to dishes. You can usually find gochujang in the Asian section of most grocery stores or at specialty Asian markets.
- Can these meatballs be made gluten-free?
- Yes, these meatballs can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free panko bread crumbs in the recipe.
- How can I meal prep these turkey meatballs?
- To meal prep, cook 3 cups of brown rice and divide it into 3/4 cup portions with 5 meatballs in each meal prep container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, and reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes when ready to eat. You can also freeze them in freezer-safe containers and defrost in the fridge the day before eating.
- What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?
- You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice. For a complete meal, pair them with brown rice and a side of kimchi.
- How long do these meatballs take to cook?
- The total cooking time for these meatballs is about 25 minutes. They are baked in the oven for 20 minutes and then broiled for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after being brushed with the glaze.
Tips
- Use a High-Quality Gochujang: The depth of flavor in your meatballs largely depends on the quality of the gochujang used. Opt for a reputable brand to ensure a rich, spicy kick.
- Broiling for a Perfect Finish: After baking, broil the glazed meatballs for a couple of minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, adding a delightful texture and enhancing the flavor.
- Meal Prep Efficiently: Cook and portion out brown rice alongside the meatballs in advance. Store them in meal prep containers for convenient meals throughout the week, making sure to refrigerate or freeze as needed.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and panko breadcrumbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish without dietary concerns.
Equipment
- Large sheet pan
- Broiler-safe cooking rack (if not already integrated with the oven)
- Small bowl (for glaze preparation)
- Oil spray bottle (for lightly spraying the foil on the sheet pan)
- Glass meal prep containers (for meal prepping and storing the meatballs)
