Introduction

Sweet chili turkey meatballs offer a deliciously tangy and spicy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect as a party appetizer or a flavorful main dish, these meatballs are coated in a glossy, homemade sweet chili sauce that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

A white bowl filled with about three layers of small golden-brown meatballs coated in a shiny, sticky glaze. The top layer of meatballs is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and bright green sliced herbs, adding color contrast. The bowl sits on a dark blue cloth with white stripes, arranged loosely around it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl is a smaller white bowl holding a spread of light-colored toothpicks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tbsp. sambal oelek
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. water
1/2 tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos)
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey
3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 egg
1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Portion out about 20 meatballs (approximately 1 ounce each) using a mini ice cream scoop or kitchen scale for accuracy.
Step 4: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the meatballs on it, spacing them evenly.
Step 5: Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 6: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sweet chili sauce. In a small pot, combine sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and tamari or soy sauce. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring.
Step 7: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the boiling sauce.
Step 8: Continue stirring the sauce as it thickens and becomes glossy. Once it reaches a thick, spoon-coating consistency, remove the pot from heat.
Step 9: When the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the pot with the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.
Step 10: Serve the sweet chili turkey meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Toothpicks make them ideal for sharing.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sambal oelek or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Substitute ground chicken or pork for turkey if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Adding fresh grated ginger to the sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view shows small round meatballs with a golden brown outside, some topped with finely chopped green herbs, placed inside a white bowl filled with a reddish-brown sauce. The inside of one meatball is soft and light beige with small green flecks, held by a silver fork in the foreground. The white bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a woven texture partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking the meatballs as directed gives a healthier result without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have sambal oelek?

If sambal oelek is unavailable, you can substitute with another chili paste, like sriracha, or use red pepper flakes adjusted to taste for spiciness.

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

Delicious and healthy Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs featuring lean ground turkey coated in a tangy and slightly spicy homemade sweet chili sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these meatballs are baked to juicy perfection and tossed in a glossy chili sauce with a kick of sambal oelek and a hint of sweetness from sugar and rice vinegar.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Chili Sauce

3 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tbsp. sambal oelek
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. water
1/2 tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos)
2 tsp. cornstarch

Plain Jane Meatballs

1 lb. 99% lean ground turkey
3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 egg
1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400° F (204° C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
Shape Meatballs: Use a mini ice cream scoop or kitchen scale to portion out 20 meatballs, each approximately 1 ounce, and shape them evenly.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs spaced evenly.
Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
Make Sweet Chili Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and tamari in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.
Finish Sauce: Bring the sauce back to a boil briefly to fully activate the thickening agent, then remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon or whisk.
Toss Meatballs in Sauce: When the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165° F, transfer them to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the meatballs before serving. Provide toothpicks for easy appetizer-style eating.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in the sauce.
Adjust sambal oelek quantity to vary spice level to preference.
Make sure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165° F for safe consumption.
These meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer as an alternative method at 400° F for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Keywords: sweet chili meatballs, turkey meatballs, healthy appetizers, lean ground turkey, sweet and spicy sauce