Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a smoky twist? These Smoked BBQ Turkey Meatballs are not just your average meatballs; they’re a flavor-packed delight that will have your taste buds dancing! Perfectly seasoned and kissed by the rich flavors of BBQ, these tender meatballs are a must-try for any barbecue lover. Whether you're hosting a weekend gathering or simply craving something delicious, this recipe promises to impress. Get ready to fire up your smoker or grill, because these mouthwatering meatballs are about to steal the show!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat by placing the coals on one side and leaving the other side empty. If using a gas grill, turn on one side of the burners and leave the other side off.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will make it easier to transfer them to the smoker or grill.
- Once the smoker or grill is preheated, carefully transfer the meatballs to the grill grates or smoker rack. Make sure to leave space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Close the lid of the smoker or grill and let the meatballs cook for about 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
- During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, you can brush additional BBQ sauce over the meatballs for extra flavor and a sticky glaze.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the smoker or grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain their juices.
- Serve the smoked BBQ turkey meatballs warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside your favorite sides or on a bun as a meatball sandwich.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Consistent Size: Aim for uniform meatball sizes (about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter) to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook through at the same rate.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Extra BBQ Sauce: For a sticky and flavorful finish, brush additional BBQ sauce on the meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices, making them even more delicious when served.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the flavors by adding your favorite spices or herbs to the meat mixture for a personal touch.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them as a main dish, in a meatball sandwich, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
