Spicy Sriracha Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1 large egg - 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) These ingredients work together to create tasty meatballs. Ground turkey is lean and cooks nicely. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan gives a savory kick. Fresh cilantro brightens the flavor. The egg helps bind everything together. Sriracha sauce adds the spicy twist, and garlic and ginger bring depth. Soy sauce adds umami, while salt and pepper enhance the taste. Finally, olive oil keeps the meatballs moist during cooking. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha based on your spice preference. If you like it hot, use more Sriracha. If you prefer mild, use less. This flexibility makes the dish perfect for anyone. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients to make a dish that fits your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped cilantro. You want all the flavors to blend well. Next, add one large egg, two tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a little salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard. This helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy. If you overmix, they can become tough. To shape the meatballs, wet your hands with water. This makes it easier to roll the mixture without sticking. Aim for meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size cooks well and is easy to eat. Place each meatball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Once the oven is ready, drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. This adds moisture and helps them brown nicely. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they are cooked through and browned on the outside. For an extra kick, mix the remaining Sriracha with one tablespoon of olive oil. Brush this glaze on the meatballs during the last 5 minutes of baking. After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle before serving. To change the heat level, adjust the Sriracha in your mix. Start with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha for mild meatballs. You can add more if you like it hot. For a spicy glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of Sriracha with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Brush this on your meatballs in the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a flavorful kick and a shiny finish. To keep your meatballs tender, do not overmix the ingredients. When you combine the turkey and spices, mix gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Check the cooking time carefully. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until they are brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). These meatballs pair well with many sides. Try serving them on skewers with a fresh cucumber salad. They also taste great on a bed of rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and add more cilantro for a nice touch. For garnishing, you can drizzle some extra Sriracha or a squeeze of lime juice. This adds a bright flavor and makes your dish look great. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist while reducing excess fat for a healthier option. Chill the Mixture: Chilling the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before shaping helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference; you can also try adding diced jalapeños for extra kick. Serving Suggestions: These meatballs pair beautifully with a side of sweet chili sauce or a zesty yogurt dip for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap turkey for chicken or beef. This change offers a new flavor and texture. Chicken gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness. Both options work well with Sriracha's heat. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs mimic regular ones. They will keep your meatballs tender and flavorful. You can also use crushed rice cereal as an alternative. Consider adding herbs and spices to boost flavor. Fresh parsley or basil adds brightness. You can also try smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Experiment with your favorite spices to find what you love. Adding vegetables can enhance texture and nutrition. Finely chopped bell peppers or onions mix well. Carrots or zucchini also work great. They add moisture and flavor to the meatballs. You can pan-fry or bake meatballs. Pan-frying gives a crispy outside, while baking is healthier. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and a nice brown color. For a slow cooker option, cook meatballs on low for 6-8 hours. This method keeps them juicy and tender. Add a sauce to the slow cooker for extra flavor. To keep your spicy Sriracha turkey meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This keeps them from sticking together. In the refrigerator, they last about three to four days. Always check for any off smells before using them. Want to save some for later? You can freeze these meatballs! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. These meatballs are perfect for meal prep! You can add them to salads, wraps, or bowls. Portion them out for quick lunches or dinners. Pair them with rice or veggies for balanced meals. This makes it easy to stick to healthy eating while enjoying great flavors. You can make meatballs without breadcrumbs by using these substitutes: - Cooked rice - Oats - Mashed potatoes - Ground nuts These options help bind the meatballs. Cooked rice adds texture, while oats give a hearty feel. Mashed potatoes keep them moist. Ground nuts offer a nutty taste. Mix them in the same way as breadcrumbs. Yes, you can use shrimp or pork. - Shrimp: Use chopped shrimp. You may need less cooking time. - Pork: Ground pork works well. It adds a richer flavor. Use the same amount as turkey. Adjust spices to match the protein's taste. Keep Sriracha for a spicy kick. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Sesame cucumber salad: Refreshing and crunchy. - Rice: Perfect to soak up the sauce. - Noodles: Try them with stir-fried noodles. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies balance the meal. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, like soy sauce or more Sriracha, for extra flavor. This blog post guides you through making Spicy Sriracha Turkey Meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. Remember to adjust spice levels and partner these meatballs with tasty sides. You can also explore variations and storage methods for meal prep. With this knowledge, you can create a dish that suits your taste and is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and impressing others with your skills!$

Delicious and spicy turkey meatballs infused with Sriracha and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large egg
3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon soy sauce
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Add the egg, 2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wet your hands with water and shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs, placing them evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs for added moisture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining Sriracha with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brush it over the meatballs during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra spicy glaze.
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference.

Keyword appetizer, meatballs, spicy, Sriracha, turkey