Healthy Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
These Healthy Teriyaki Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a clean, homemade teriyaki sauce with no added sugar. Made with lean ground turkey, garlic, and ginger, they’re pan-seared and then simmered in a sweet-savory glaze that keeps things macro-friendly. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or post-workout fuel, this high-protein dish supports muscle recovery while satisfying cravings.
- 500 g lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons almond flour (or oat flour)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free substitute
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Meatballs
For the Teriyaki Sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, ginger, green onions, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Step 2: Roll into 16 equal-sized meatballs using damp hands.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Step 5: Pour sauce into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and meatballs are fully cooked.
- Step 6: Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions and serve hot over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Ground turkey keeps fat low and protein high for lean muscle support.
- Almond flour is a gluten-free binder that adds moisture without carbs.
- Double the batch for meal prep—these meatballs reheat and freeze well.
- Serve with sautéed greens, roasted broccoli, or low-carb noodles.
- Adjust sauce sweetness by altering the honey or sweetener amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes—just choose lean cuts to keep the recipe healthy.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
It can be—use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes—bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18-20 minutes, then simmer in the sauce for flavor.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely—store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze in portions for quick meals.