Asian Inspired Ground Turkey Meatballs

Servings: Approximately 20 Meatballs

Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor—these Asian-inspired turkey meatballs paired with garlicky ginger zucchini noodles are the perfect clean-eating meal. The meatballs are tender and savory with notes of garlic, ginger, and herbs, while the zucchini noodles soak up a simple sauce that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and loaded with protein and veggies—making it a wholesome option that feels just as satisfying as takeout, but without the heaviness.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (lean, preferably organic)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large egg (helps bind)
1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour (for binding, gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari, coconut aminos, or Braggs Liquid Aminos (soy sauce alternative)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the dipping sauce or to pour over noodles/rice (optional):

3 tablespoons tamari, coconut aminos, or Braggs Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, grated ginger, white parts of green onions, chopped cilantro, egg, almond/oat flour, tamari, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper (chili flakes and honey if you like). Mix gently until just combined — don’t overmix or meatballs will get tough.

3. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet, evenly spaced.

4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and lightly browned.

5. While meatballs bake, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

6. Serve meatballs hot, garnished with the green parts of the sliced green onions and extra chopped cilantro, alongside the dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed jasmine or brown rice
With sautéed Bok choy or snap peas (Bok choy recipe)
With zucchini noodles (Zucchini noodle recipe)
Tossed in a fresh salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves

Nutrition (per meatball, assuming 20 meatballs total)

Calories: ~70 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 1.5g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: ~150mg (varies with tamari)