Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey lean protein base; mild flavor that takes on jerk seasoning well
1 tbsp green seasoning fresh herb and scallion notes (blended scallions, thyme, peppers)
2 tsp jerk seasoning core Jamaican spice for warmth and heat
1/2 cup bread crumbs binds meatballs and keeps texture light
1/2 yellow onion diced finely adds moisture and savory flavor
1 egg binds ingredients together
1 tsp garlic powder adds rounded garlic flavor without fresh garlic moisture
1 tsp onion powder boosts onion flavor if you want extra depth
1/2 tsp chicken bouillon adds savory umami if desired
1/4 tsp salt seasons the mixture; adjust to taste
1–2 green onions minced garnish and mild onion bite
2 tbsp unsalted butter base for the bbq sauce glaze
1/2 cup BBQ sauce provides smoky-sweet backbone to the glaze
1/4 cup honey sweetener to balance jerk heat
1/4 cup pineapple juice bright, fruity acid to lift the sauce
1 tsp jerk seasoning spices the glaze to match the meatballs
1 garlic cube quick, convenient fresh garlic flavor
Oil for searing prevents sticking and helps brown meatballs
Instructions
1-First Step: Mise en place and mixing
Gather all ingredients and measure them out. Finely dice 1/2 yellow onion and mince 1-2 green onions for garnish. If using frozen garlic cube, have it ready for the sauce.
In a large bowl, add:
* 1 lb ground turkey
* 1 tbsp green seasoning
* 2 tsp jerk seasoning
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko preferred)
* 1/2 yellow onion, diced finely
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon (optional)
* 1/4 tsp salt
Gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Overworking the meat will make the meatballs dense, so mix with a light touch.
2-Second Step: Forming meatballs
Coat your hands with a little oil to prevent sticking. Using oiled hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 inch in diameter. The mixture will be sticky; oil prevents the blend from clinging to your palms and helps you form smooth balls.
Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
3-Third Step: Searing and cooking on the stovetop
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil. When the oil shimmers, add meatballs in a single layer without crowding. Sear until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides finish cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
If you prefer to finish in the oven, preheat to 400°F and bake the seared meatballs 8-10 minutes until they reach 165°F. This method is helpful for larger batches.
4-Fourth Step: Making the BBQ sauce glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add the glaze ingredients and stir to combine:
* 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice
* 1 tsp jerk seasoning (adjust amount as preferred)
* 1 garlic cube (frozen garlic cubes for smooth sauce)
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash more pineapple juice to loosen it.
5-Fifth Step: Tossing and finishing
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large bowl, pour the warm bbq jerk glaze over them, and toss gently until they are fully coated. Garnish with 1-2 minced green onions and serve hot.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥚 Oil-coated hands prevent sticking when rolling the sticky meatball mixture
🔄 Substitute any ground meat for turkey based on your preference
🧊 Store leftovers in sealed container and consume within 3-4 days
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
