Ingredients
6 ounces ground turkey
6 ounces ground pork
1/2 cup minced cilantro
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/2 small jalapeno, minced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice vinegar) 1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice vinegar)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
Combine the pork, breadcrumbs, onion, cilantro, ginger, jalapeno, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Shape into 24 golf ball-size balls.
Combine the Mirin, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a medium bowl.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes, turning with tongs every 2 to 3 minutes to brown all sides.
Stir in the sauce and swirl the pan around to coat the meatballs. Cook until the sauce is thick and the pan is nearly dry. Serve warm.
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Panko breadcrumbs give these meatballs an exceptionally light and tender texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, helping them hold together without becoming dense.
- Fresh ginger adds a bright, warming heat that complements the savory pork and turkey blend while also aiding digestion.
- Mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine, creates a glossy caramelized glaze on the meatballs that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly.
- Using a combination of ground turkey and ground pork delivers a balance of lean protein and just enough fat for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Fresh jalapeño adds a mild kick that can easily be adjusted — remove the seeds for less heat or add more for extra spice.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- Each serving provides a strong source of lean protein from the turkey-pork blend, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
- The soy sauce contributes significant sodium, so those watching their salt intake may want to use a low-sodium soy sauce alternative.
- Fresh ginger and garlic contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that add functional benefits beyond flavor.
- Ground turkey keeps the saturated fat lower than an all-pork meatball, making this a slightly lighter option without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories265
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat13 g72 g18.06%
- Saturated Fat4 g20 g20%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat2.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat5.5 g
- Cholesterol95 mg300 mg31.67%
- Sodium870 mg2300 mg37.83%
- Total Carbohydrate10 g275 g3.64%
- Dietary Fiber0.5 g28 g1.79%
- Total Sugars3.5 g
- Added Sugars2.5 g50 g5%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein25 g50 g50%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)8 mcg20 mcg40%
- Calcium42 mg1300 mg3.23%
- Iron2.1 mg18 mg11.67%
- Potassium420 mg4700 mg8.94%
- Vitamin A180 mcg900 mcg20%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)5 mg90 mg5.56%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)0.6 mg15 mg4%
- Vitamin K8 mcg120 mcg6.67%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.45 mg1.2 mg37.5%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.28 mg1.3 mg21.54%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)5.8 mg16 mg36.25%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.55 mg1.7 mg32.35%
- Folate18 mcg400 mcg4.5%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)1.2 mcg2.4 mcg50%
- Biotin6 mcg30 mcg20%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.95 mg5 mg19%
- Choline85 mg550 mg15.45%
- Phosphorus240 mg1250 mg19.2%
- Iodine6 mcg150 mcg4%
- Magnesium28 mg420 mg6.67%
- Zinc2.8 mg11 mg25.45%
- Selenium24 mcg55 mcg43.64%
- Copper0.12 mg0.9 mg13.33%
- Manganese0.25 mg2.3 mg10.87%
- Chromium4 mcg35 mcg11.43%
- Molybdenum8 mcg45 mcg17.78%
- Chloride310 mg2300 mg13.48%
