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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste To make these turkey meatballs, ground turkey is the star. It is lean and easy to find. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice, salty touch. Green onions give a fresh taste. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and flavor. The egg helps hold everything together. You can add red pepper flakes for a little heat. - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening) The orange glaze is what makes these meatballs special. Fresh orange juice gives a bright flavor. Orange zest adds even more citrus notes. Honey sweetens the glaze, while soy sauce brings umami. The cornstarch slurry thickens the glaze, giving it a nice texture. - Red pepper flakes - Fresh ginger You can tweak the flavors by adding red pepper flakes for spice. Fresh ginger can also boost the flavor. These additions let you make the dish your own. Feel free to play with these options based on your taste. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the meatballs evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps your meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped green onions. Add the egg, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the bowl. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well, but don’t overdo it. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Now, it's time to form the meatballs. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on your baking sheet. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. While they bake, prepare the orange glaze. In a saucepan, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and soy sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to thicken. When the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven. Place them in a large bowl and pour the orange glaze over them. Gently toss to coat each meatball evenly. Enjoy your delicious orange glazed turkey meatballs! To achieve golden brown meatballs, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps create a nice crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Form 1-inch meatballs and place them on the sheet, leaving space in between. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Check that they are cooked through. You want them golden and firm. You can customize the flavors easily. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. For a sweeter taste, increase the honey in the glaze. Want a zing? Add more orange zest. Feel free to play with herbs too. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add freshness. Always taste the mix before you bake. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. To keep the meatballs juicy, do not overmix the meatball mixture. Mix until just combined. Adding breadcrumbs and egg helps hold moisture. If your turkey is lean, consider adding a little olive oil. Bake the meatballs until they are just cooked through. Overcooked meatballs can become dry. You can also cover them with the orange glaze right after baking to lock in moisture. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the ground turkey for chicken or beef. Chicken offers a light flavor that pairs well with the orange glaze. Beef will add a rich taste and a hearty texture. When using chicken, choose ground chicken. For beef, go for ground sirloin or chuck. Adjust cooking times slightly, as beef may need more time to cook through. While the orange glaze is fantastic, you can explore other flavors. Lemon or lime juice can give your meatballs a zesty twist. Honey-mustard is another option for a sweet and tangy taste. For a spicy kick, try a sweet chili sauce. Mix and match these glazes to suit your taste. Each will add a unique flair to your meatballs. Pairing sides with your orange glazed meatballs can enhance the meal. Rice or quinoa works well to soak up the glaze. Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and crunch. A simple salad can balance the sweetness of the meatballs. Serve with crusty bread to mop up extra glaze. Each side complements the dish nicely. To keep your orange glazed turkey meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the meatballs cool down before sealing. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also cover them with plastic wrap if you don't have a container. This way, they stay moist and tasty. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about two hours. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. Fresh orange glazed turkey meatballs last about four days in the fridge. If frozen, they maintain their best quality for three months. After that, they are still safe to eat, but the taste may fade. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying any leftovers. Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. After thawing, follow the recipe as usual. This will give you juicy meatballs with great flavor. To thicken the glaze, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water. Stir this mixture into the glaze while it simmers. Cook for one to two more minutes. This will give you a nice, thick glaze that sticks to the meatballs. Pair these meatballs with steamed rice or quinoa. They also go well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For something cozy, serve with mashed potatoes. Each option adds flavor and balance to your meal. In this blog post, we explored orange glazed turkey meatballs. You learned about the key ingredients, like ground turkey and fresh orange juice. I shared how to bake them perfectly and keep them juicy. Plus, you discovered variations with different meats and glazes. For the best flavors, adjust the spices to your taste. Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite sides, and remember to store leftovers properly. With these tips, you are ready to impress at your next meal. Happy cooking!

Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Enjoy a burst of flavor with these delicious Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs! This simple recipe combines ground turkey, zesty orange glaze, and a delightful mix of spices to create the perfect meal. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish that’s great for family dinners or entertaining. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make your own juicy meatballs with a sweet citrus twist that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orange Glaze:

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake the turkey meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown.

          Prepare the Orange Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

            Thicken the Glaze: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the glaze has thickened.

              Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the orange glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.

                Serve: Serve the orange glazed turkey meatballs hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4