Thai Basil Turkey Meatballs
Juicy turkey meatballs with a fresh Thai twist—ginger, garlic, and Thai basil bring bold flavor, all glazed in a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or a standout appetizer.
Ingredients: Serves 2-3
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp chopped Thai basil (or regular basil)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the glaze:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
To serve:
- Extra Thai basil
- Lime wedges
- Jasmine rice or lettuce cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork.
- Roll into 1½-inch meatballs (about 16) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Toss baked meatballs in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Garnish with Thai basil and a squeeze of lime. Serve with jasmine rice or in lettuce cups.
Why These Meatballs Are a Must-Make
These Thai Basil Turkey Meatballs are the kind of recipe that sneaks up on you—in the best way. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, yet bold enough to serve at your next dinner party. The ginger and garlic build the base, but it’s the Thai basil and umami glaze that take them to full-on flavor bomb status. And because they’re baked, not fried, they come together with less mess but all the crispy-edged magic.
Whether you’re piling them over jasmine rice, wrapping them in crunchy lettuce cups, or serving them as toothpick-ready bites at a party, these meatballs never disappoint. They reheat beautifully, freeze well, and deliver that sweet-salty-savory balance every time. One bite, and you’re hooked—and that’s exactly the kind of magic we chase at Prime Bite Recipes.
