Asian-Inspired Turkey Meatballs with Peanut Sauce

It’s so much fun to cook when you have this recipe! Asian-inspired turkey meatballs with peanut sauce are easy to make with a complex taste. You’ll feel like a pro-chef as you chop and saute the ingredients.

Easy Turkey Meatballs With Peanut Sauce

Do you ever get inspired to cook after watching a cooking show? Whether it is on TV or YouTube, it’s so fun to watch them chop and fry and imagine the smells in that kitchen.

In fact, the tastes and smells are my favorite things about cooking! That’s why I love this recipe so much.

As the ginger-spiced meatballs cook, you’ll smell it. The peanut sauce will make you drool as you mix it together. Then, you serve it all over a bowl of fresh lime-flavored cauliflower rice.

Not only does this recipe taste divine, but it looks fancy too! I like to serve this at dinner parties or on date nights. Or, just treat yourself to a homecooked meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Your body deserves this delicious dish!

Ingredients Needed

There are three parts to this incredible recipe – the turkey meatballs, the peanut sauce, and the bowl. All three parts are made with healthy, whole ingredients!

Meatballs:

• Ground Turkey: You will need a pound of ground turkey to make the meatballs. Use 93/7 for the best results.
• Onion: The onion adds a bright taste to the meatballs. Dice up 1/2 a small yellow onion.
• Ginger: You only need a teaspoon of ginger for the entire recipe as it is a powerful herb. Ground ginger incorporates into the meatballs better than fresh.
• Sesame Oil: Use a teaspoon of sesame oil to add a nutty undertone.
• Soy Sauce: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce for the umami flavor. If you need to keep this recipe gluten-free, use coconut aminos instead.
• Garlic: Mince two cloves of garlic! Fresh garlic will have a stronger flavor than garlic powder.

Peanut Sauce:

• Powdered Peanut Butter (pb2): You need 1/2 a cup of this powdered peanut butter. The powder dissolves into the sauce better than thick peanut butter.
• Soy Sauce: This gives the sauce the salty umami flavor. Use 2 tablespoons.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: The vinegar brightens the sauce and makes the rest of the ingredients taste bolder. About 2 tablespoons is all you need.
• Sesame Oil: The seseme oil gives a rich nutty flavor – you only need 1 teaspoon.
• Honey: Honey sweetens the sauce naturally and gives a delicious sticky texture. About 2 tablespoons is all you need.
• Lime Juice: This adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the sauce. Use a tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
• Ground Ginger: You only need 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to add the perfect amount of spice ot the sauce.
• Garlic: Mince 2 cloves of fresh garlic. They give the sauce incredible flavor.
• Water: You need about 1/3 a cup in order to thin down the sauce.

Cauliflower Rice Bowl:

• Cauliflower Rice: Just use one 16-ounce bag of frozen cauliflower rice – it saves you time so you don’t have to make homemde cauliflower rice.
• Lime Juice: One tablespoon of lime juice will pair really well with the rest of the vegetables.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt, which is about 1/2 a teaspoon.
• Carrots: Slice up 2 carrots and add them to the bowl.
• Cucumber: Cucumbers are a light vegetable that taste perfect in veggie bowls and raw salad. Add 1 cup of diced cucumbers.
• Edamame: This is a wonderful source of plant protein. Add 1 cup.

Kitchen Tools Required

You’ll need a few different types of utensils and tools because there are a few different things you’ll be making. Here is what I used:

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Three Bowls
• Knife

You will need 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1 tablespoon, and 1 teaspoon for measuring.

How To Make Asian Turkey Meatballs

There might be a lot of ingredients, but the actual process of making this recipe is pretty simple!

First, preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix together all of the meatball ingredients. Divide them into meatballs, 40g each, and place them on a baking sheet. You should have around 12-13 meatballs.

Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes.

While they are baking, make the sauce by whisking together all of the sauce ingredients. Set it aside once it is combined.

Prepare your bowl by making the cauliflower rice according to the instructions on the package. Add lime juice and salt to the cauli-rice.

Divide it evenly into three bowls, add 1/3 cup cucumber, 1/3 cup edamame, and 1/3 of the carrots to each bowl.

Once the meatballs are done, trim the excess fat that spilled out on the side. Place 4 meatballs on top of bowls.

Divide the sauce into three portions and distribute evenly amongst the bowls. Enjoy!

Below are some common turkey meatballs questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

What are some healthy garnish ingredients I can use?

Either sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or garnish them with chopped green onions.

How do I make the peanut sauce spicier?

My favorite way to add spice to this peanut sauce is to add a teaspoon of sriracha sauce. Taste it and add more sriracha if you still want more heat!

How do you serve these as a party appetizer?

If you want to serve the meatballs at a party, place a toothpick into each one. Then, add the sauce on the side, letting your guests place some on their plates if they want.

This recipe tastes the best when you make it fresh. If you think you want to use it in your meal prep or save leftovers, I suggest storing the meatballs and the sauce separately.

Keep the meatballs and the sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Here are some more of my favorite turkey dishes. Enjoy!

• Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
• Butternut Squash Chili With Turkey
• Healthy Greek Turkey Burgers With Tzatziki

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photography by Moriah Sawtelle