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For this recipe, you need 1 pound of ground turkey. This lean meat keeps your dish healthy while still being tasty. Turkey absorbs flavors well and stays moist when cooked right. It offers a lighter option than traditional beef or pork. You will also need ½ cup of breadcrumbs. They help bind the meatballs together. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor. The cheese melts and adds a nice creamy touch. Combining these ingredients gives the meatballs a great texture. The star of this dish is the orange zest and juice. You will need the zest of 1 orange and ½ cup of orange juice. The zest adds a fresh, bright flavor. The juice creates a sweet and tangy glaze that makes these meatballs shine. The combo of flavors makes every bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Next, toss in ½ cup of breadcrumbs and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add ¼ cup of finely chopped green onions and 1 beaten egg. Don’t forget 2 cloves of minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Finally, add the zest of 1 orange for a bright flavor. Mix the ingredients well until everything is combined. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown when done. While the meatballs bake, it's time to make the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add this to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook the glaze for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens. Once your meatballs are done, move them to a bowl and pour the orange glaze over them. Toss gently to coat. To get the best meatballs, mix gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Use a light hand when combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and cheese. The egg helps bind everything, so make sure it’s well beaten before adding it. If you want more moisture, add a splash of orange juice to the mix. You want the glaze to stick to the meatballs. If it’s too thin, mix in a little more cornstarch. To thicken, combine the cornstarch with water before adding it to the saucepan. If your glaze is too thick, stir in some more orange juice. This keeps it sweet and tangy. Serve your orange glazed turkey meatballs with rice or noodles. They also pair well with steamed veggies. Garnish with extra green onions for color. For a fun twist, add sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch and looks great on the plate. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier option, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain moisture. Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the meatball mixture for an added layer of flavor. Chill Before Baking: Chilling the formed meatballs for about 15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape better. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to suit your taste preferences for sweetness. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your orange glazed turkey meatballs. Add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish. Try a mix of dried basil or oregano for a new twist. Simply add these to your meatball mixture before shaping them into balls. If you want to switch things up, try using ground chicken or even lean beef. Each option brings a unique taste to your meatballs. For a plant-based version, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and mix in the other ingredients. Your meatballs will still be tasty and satisfying. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You can also try them with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, place them in a warm pita with veggies and sauce. The options are endless, making this dish great for any occasion. Store your orange glazed turkey meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep the texture nice. To freeze, first let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the meatballs carefully. You can use the microwave or the oven. For microwave reheating, place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Always check that they are hot throughout before serving. Yes, you can use chicken. Ground chicken works well in this recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor. Just follow the same steps for mixing and baking. You will enjoy a tasty dish either way. To sweeten the glaze, add more honey or use brown sugar. Start with an extra tablespoon of honey. You can mix it in while cooking the glaze. Taste and adjust until it’s just right for you. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool, then store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for later. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. You now have a full guide to make tasty orange-glazed turkey meatballs. We covered ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and orange zest. Then, we detailed how to mix the meatballs, bake them, and make the glaze. You also learned tips for texture and glaze tricks. Don’t forget the many variations and storage info to keep extra meatballs fresh. Use this guide to impress at your next meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!

Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Delicious turkey meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 zest orange
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, beaten egg, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook the glaze, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a bowl, and pour the orange glaze over the meatballs. Toss gently to coat.
  • Serve the orange glazed turkey meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Keyword meatballs, orange glaze, turkey