Paleo Turkey Meatballs (Whole30, Keto)
Updated: Mar 8
Tender turkey meatballs packed with umami flavors and perfect when you're looking for an easy weeknight meal. These fabulous little Asian style meatballs come together in about 30-minutes and will satisfy your hungry family fast! My favorite part is that they are Paleo and Whole30 friendly and pair perfectly with some black rice noodles and veggies or over a fresh bed of greens for a healthy and nutritious meal!
How to Enjoy Paleo Turkey Meatballs
Although they are hard to resist straight out of the oven, I love to enjoy these a number of ways:
Over a bed of greens with spicy gochujang sauce
In a noodle bowl
With steamed brown rice and broccoli
With Asian slaw and steamed brown rice
In a stir fry
In some homemade ramen
As an appetizer
Over a veggie bowl: pictured above is zoodles, cucumbers, bell pepper, carrot, red cabbage, radish and fresh cilantrol
Be creative and let me know your favorite way to enjoy this easy and nutritious dish!
Why Turkey is So Good For You!
Thanksgiving isn't the only reason to enjoy this delicious and nutrient dense protein! Turkey is a fantastic source of protein and other nutrients and can easily replace chicken in your menu for a more rich and earthy flavor!
Amino Acid Profile
The nine essential amino acids found in turkey, and here are their roles [1]:
Histidine: necessary for the production of histamine and also plays a role in nervous system health
Valine: necessary in energy production as well as muscle growth and repair
Phenylalanine: building block for neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine (adrenaline), and in the production of other amino acids.
Leucine: necessary in stimulating wound healing, muscle repair, and blood sugar regulation.
Isoleucine: necessary in immune function and energy regulation.
Tryptophan: necessary building block for serotonin.
Methionine: necessary in detoxification, metabolism, and in your body's ability to absorb selenium (supports thyroid health) and zinc (necessary in production of HCl in your stomach).
Threonine: necessary in skin and connective tissue health.
Lysine: necessary in hormone production and your body's ability to absorb calcium (bone, heart, muscle and nerve health.)
Vitamins
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Supports optimized digestion, absorption of nutrients, detoxification, and proper elimination [2].
Vitamin B6: There are many benefits from a diet rich in vitamin B6. It plays a role in our immune health, metabolism, and brain health. Vitamin B6 is essential in creating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in emotional health and sleep [3].
Vitamin B12: Essential in the formation of DNA and red blood cells, and increases the absorption of nutrients [4].
Minerals
Choline: An essential nutrient that many people are actually deficient in! Choline is necessary in the production of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin: phospholipids necessary for cell membrane health. It is also essential in the production of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter in brain and nervous system health [5].
Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
Phosphorus: Supports healthy teeth and bones, muscle recovery after working out, and detoxification.
Potassium: Plays a role in your body's hydration and cellular fluid balance, with sodium being the counter balance.
Selenium: Supports thyroid health [3] and supports your immune system.
Sodium: Electrolyte that regulates fluid balance in the body, conduction of nervous system impulses, heartbeat, kidney health, muscle contraction and relaxation, and healthy blood pressure.
Zinc: Essential in digestion, thyroid health, and a healthy immune system.
So grab some ground turkey and let's get cooking!
Ginger Turkey Meatballs Ingredients
Makes 18-20 2" Meatballs
1 tsp Unrefined Coconut Oil
1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced
2-3 Green Onions, diced
1 Carrot, shredded
2 lbs Ground Turkey
1 Large Egg
1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated or 1 tsp Dried Ground Ginger
1-2 Cloves Garlic, finely minced
1-2 Tbsp Fresh Mint, minced (opt)
1 Tbsp Coconut Aminos
1 tsp Fish Sauce
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp Fine Sea Salt or Pink Salt
1/4 cup Almond Flour
How to Make Ginger Turkey Meatballs
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with a little coconut oil.
2. Dice the onions and shred the carrot. Sauté with the coconut oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until softened. Cool completely.
3. To a large bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, ginger, garlic, cooled onion and carrot mixture, coconut aminos, almond flour, fish sauce and seasonings.
4. Mix well by hand and form into 2" meatballs and place them onto the parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes until fully cooked (bake time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs)
Enjoy!
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FAQs
Q: My meatball mixture is really moist, is that okay?
A: Yes, this recipe is a bit more moist because I do not add any grains, however, they will still turn out delicious!
Q: How do I store the leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
Q: My meatballs turned out tough, any pointers?
A: Overworking the mixture will yield a more tough meatball, make sure that you are mixing just enough for the mixture to come together.
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. - Amy
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