My Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs Stuffed with Cheese inside are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, combining savory Asian flavors with a gooey, cheesy center.
The tender turkey meatballs are flavored with ingredients like ginger, garlic, and scallions, then glazed with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully. The mozzarella stuffing adds an indulgent layer of richness, offering a delightful surprise with each bite as the melted cheese oozes out when the meatballs are fresh and hot.
The cheese is completely optional and is best enjoyed if you plan to serve the meatballs immediately after cooking. When eaten fresh, the cheese provides a wonderful, gooey texture that contrasts nicely with the sticky teriyaki glaze.
If you’re planning on storing these meatballs as leftovers, leaving the cheese out is recommended, as it tends to lose its texture and doesn’t reheat as well. Without the cheese, the meatballs hold up excellently for meal prepping, making them a versatile option for both an impressive appetizer and a convenient, make-ahead meal.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce vs. Store-bought
Homemade teriyaki sauce brings a fresh, rich flavor that’s often unmatched by store-bought options. Making it from scratch gives you full control over ingredients for a purer, more customized taste. Traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, simmered until it’s slightly thickened and glossy.
My personal homemade sauce uses more common household ingredients. Making it at home lets you adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to suit your personal preferences. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re aiming for a balanced, authentic taste without preservatives or extra sugar.
That being said, store-bought teriyaki sauce is undeniably convenient, providing a quick solution for busy nights or when you need a shortcut for marinades and glazes. Many are thickened with cornstarch or other stabilizers to give them a longer shelf life, and they often include more sugar and artificial flavors. However, there are also high-quality store-bought brands that offer closer-to-homemade flavors. See my recs here.
Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs with Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
My Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs are tender, savory, and filled with a (optional) gooey cheese center that adds a delicious surprise in every bite. Glazed with a rich, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce, they’re a perfect fusion of comfort and Japanese-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce (use store-bought or my homemade one below)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into 1 cm. cubes for stuffing
- Teriyaki sauce for drizzling (about 3/4 cup)
- For garnish (optional): additional green onions
Roasted Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Drizzle of olive oil
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp honey (substitute with brown sugar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (add more or less depending on thickness preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the broccoli florets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, green onions, 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce, panko, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop a tablespoon and a half of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Roll the meat around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese. If you are not using cheese, make your meatballs about 2 tablespoons in size.
- Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 14–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.
- Drizzle the baked meatballs with additional teriyaki sauce, and garnish with additional green onions. Serve alongside the roasted broccoli and rice.
For Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- To a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch.
- Let it cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and use as needed. Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
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