Turkey Meatballs with Honey Sesame Sriracha Sauce

Taking a very short break from my regularly scheduled programming of cake and brownies.

Turkey mince is healthy, but it isn’t always the easiest meat to work with. I find that if you’re not careful, it can turn out a bit bland. Adding a highly flavoured sauce is the answer here. You cannot go wrong with spicy sesame, honey and paprika and it’s a combo that I rely on often. The sauce here is delicious and full of flavour, and would also be great with shredded chicken breasts.

I was also sceptical about cooking meatballs in the oven, I didn’t know how they would survive being cooked like that – and I was pleasantly surprised! They came out perfectly cooked and perfectly formed!

I made this as a main meal with rice and roasted veggies, but these meatballs would make an amazing pita sandwich. Just imagine them, stuffed inside the bread pocket with that sauce drizzled all over, some shredded red onion and salad to make an incredible lunch.

Makes 20

Ingredients for the Meatballs

• 500g turkey mince
• Breadcrumbs from 1 slice wholemeal bread
• 1 egg
• Handful spring onions, sliced very small
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and Pepper
• Vegetable oil, to drizzle

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tbsp ketchup or pasatta
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• Thumb of grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp paprika

Method

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Mix together all the ingredients for the meatballs (except the oil) until combined evenly.

Shape into balls and place on a baking tray. Drizzle with oil.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing all ingredients in a small pot and gently bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Toss with the meatballs.

Serve however you like, I topped with sesame seeds and scallions, and placed it with brown rice and some roasted veg.