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Flavorful Nye Food Turkey Meatball Bowl Recipe with Easy Peanut-Ginger Sauce

turkey meatball bowl - featured image

A quick and easy turkey meatball bowl featuring juicy meatballs and a creamy, tangy peanut-ginger sauce, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (lean but not too dry)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (white and light green parts)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar preferred)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Gently mix until just combined without overworking.
  2. Shape the Meatballs (5 minutes): With slightly wet hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs, about 20 total. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
  3. Cook the Meatballs (15 minutes): Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Make the Peanut-Ginger Sauce (5 minutes): Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and warm water in a small bowl. Adjust water for a smooth, pourable consistency. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Assemble the Bowl (5 minutes): Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and cilantro. Nestle warm meatballs on top and drizzle generously with peanut-ginger sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and lime wedges.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Let the pan get hot before adding meatballs to form a crust and lock in juices. Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Test one meatball for doneness before cooking the rest. Stir peanut sauce before serving to maintain creamy texture. If sauce thickens, add warm water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, peanut-ginger sauce, easy dinner, healthy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, quick recipe