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Flavorful Spice-Rubbed Turkey Meatballs Recipe with Easy Bourbon BBQ Glaze

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These turkey meatballs are spiced with a smoky rub and coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon BBQ glaze, perfect for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean but not too dry)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (60g), Japanese-style preferred
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120ml), regular or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley (if using).
  3. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spoon, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  4. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4cm) meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, making around 18-20 meatballs.
  5. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  7. While the meatballs bake, prepare the bourbon BBQ glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer the glaze over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
  9. Transfer the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently stir to coat evenly. Let them simmer in the glaze for 3-4 minutes.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Simmering meatballs in the glaze allows the flavor to penetrate fully. For a little char, broil glazed meatballs for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Ground chicken or pork can be used instead of turkey. Bourbon can be replaced with apple juice and smoked paprika for a non-alcoholic glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, bourbon BBQ glaze, spicy meatballs, quick dinner, easy recipe, smoky meatballs, game night food

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