Description
Sweet chili turkey meatballs are delicious, tender and juicy, loaded with classic Thai flavors, and quick and easy to make. Savory, sweet, and tangy.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1/2 cup green onions, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the sweet chili sauce:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Sambal Oelek garlic chili paste or crushed red pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour
Instructions
Make the meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with green onions, garlic, ginger, curry paste (if using), fish sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, and salt. Mix well to form into a uniform consistency. Set aside for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight to allow all the flavors to infuse better.
- Take 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture at a time and roll into meatballs. Transfer the meatballs onto a parchment-lined half sheet baking pan and lightly coat with some oil to keep them from sticking, if needed.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165F as read on a meat thermometer. Set aside.
Prepare the sweet chili sauce
- In a shallow saucepan, whisk together vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, chili paste, and cornstarch until sugar and cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Keep stirring and heat the mixture over medium heat until thickened to a desired consistency, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the baked meatballs and toss well to coat evenly. Serve immediately with extra sweet chili sauce on the side, or over steamed rice and veggies.
Notes
Air fryer instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 375 F, about 3 minutes. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil to coat evenly. Air fry the meatballs for 12-14 minutes until browned and the center of the meatball reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer. Shake the basket halfway during cooking to cook evenly.
How to store: Keep leftover sweet chili Turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
How to serve: Most meatball recipes are served up with pasta, but these sweet chili turkey meatballs aren’t like any other regular meatball dish. Instead, serve them on their own, over white rice with steamed veggies, or on a freshly toasted dinner roll.
How to freeze: Turkey meatballs freeze well either before or after cooking.
- To freeze uncooked meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Transfer the pan to the freezer and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the meatballs into a freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then cook as per recipe instructions on the stove.
- To freeze cooked meatballs: Once cooled, store the meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How to reheat: You can reheat turkey meatballs in the microwave, on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in a 350 F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Ground Turkey
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Thai