Tropical Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Tropical glazed turkey meatballs combine lean turkey with sweet pineapple and citrus flavors, offering a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey, 1/4 cup chopped onion, egg substitute, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs.
- Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for 30 seconds.
- Add meatballs to the skillet; cook for 2 to 4 minutes until browned, turning frequently.
- In a small bowl, blend pineapple topping, orange marmalade, remaining 1/4 cup onion, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the sauce to the skillet; stir to coat the meatballs.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink in the center and onion is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped fresh cilantro or ginger to the turkey mixture. If you don't have egg substitute, you can use one beaten egg instead. Ground chicken or lean beef can also work as alternatives to turkey. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of orange marmalade based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tropical glazed turkey meatballs over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Key Lime Pie for dessert, creating a refreshing end to your meal. For an appetizer, consider serving them with toothpicks and a small bowl of the glaze for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover with a lid for even heating, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Glazed Turkey Meatballs contains roughly 270 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, shape the meatballs and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they're fully cooked through.
What can I use instead of pineapple topping?
If you don't have pineapple topping, you can substitute it with crushed pineapple or a homemade pineapple salsa. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the right consistency in your glaze.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture. You can also serve the meatballs with a spicy dipping sauce or drizzle some sriracha over the top before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).