Bold flavors meet tropical flair in this irresistible Caribbean-style dish: jerk meatballs glazed with a luscious sweet-spicy BBQ sauce. Whether served as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or hearty dinner over rice, these meatballs bring big taste in every bite. With a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory richness, they’re destined to become a favorite.
 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp green seasoning
- 2 tsp jerk seasoning
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1–2 green onions, minced
For the BBQ Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp jerk seasoning
- 1 garlic cube (or 1 tsp minced garlic)
 Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
 How to Prepare Jerk Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, green seasoning, jerk seasoning, bread crumbs, diced onion, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon (if using), and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is evenly blended. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs dense.
2. Shape the Meatballs
With lightly oiled hands, scoop and roll the mixture into even-sized meatballs—about 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly. You should end up with around 18–20 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
Once browned, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the meatballs to cook through for another 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare the BBQ Glaze
While meatballs cook, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add BBQ sauce, honey, pineapple juice, jerk seasoning, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the glaze for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
5. Coat the Meatballs
Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan, gently stirring to coat them evenly in the glaze. Simmer together for 3–5 more minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and sauce to cling well.
Alternatively, pour the glaze over the meatballs in the skillet and stir until well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of minced green onions. Serve hot over rice, mashed plantains, or nestle into slider buns for a finger-licking treat.
 Flavor Notes
These jerk meatballs are a harmony of sweet, spicy, and umami elements. The turkey is tender and juicy, absorbing the Caribbean spices beautifully. The BBQ glaze enhances the profile with its sticky, tangy sweetness and mild heat. Every bite delivers layers of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Jerk Meatballs
 Meat Choices
- Ground turkey keeps things light, but feel free to swap with ground chicken, pork, or even beef for a heartier bite.
 Spice Control
- Prefer less heat? Start with 1 tsp jerk seasoning and taste-test. Like it bold? Add a dash of Scotch bonnet sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra fire.
 Green Seasoning Substitute
- No bottled green seasoning? Blend together fresh cilantro, parsley, thyme, green onion, garlic, and a touch of vinegar. This homemade blend replicates the herbaceous flavor base found in Caribbean cuisine.
 Cooking Tips
- Browning meatballs before simmering builds more flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, then toss in the glaze.
 Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve over rice, rice and peas, coconut rice, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks at parties.
- Sliders: Sandwich into Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns.
- Meal Prep: Portion with rice and veggies in containers for easy weekday meals.
 Leftover & Storage Tips
- Storage: Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked, glazed meatballs in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~22g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Fiber: ~1g
(Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands used.)
 Final Thoughts
Jerk meatballs offer a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, channeling the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean in every bite. Whether you’re making these for dinner, entertaining guests, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe packs a spicy punch with minimal effort. The sweet, sticky glaze complements the heat beautifully, making these meatballs completely addictive. Go ahead—bring some island magic to your kitchen tonight!