When my daughters were young, I had no problem trying to pull a fast one over on them by creating new dishes that looked just like their classic favorites — and let me tell you, meatloaf was definitely a favorite. When I think of ginger, my brain goes anywhere from Pickled Ginger next to my sushi, to sweet Ginger Cookies next to my milk. Most people don’t think of meatloaf, but this Sweet Ginger Meatloaf recipe is exquisite!

Sweet Ginger Meatloaf takes on the flavors of Asian cuisine through spicy ginger, sweet Thai chili sauce, with a pinch of umami through soy sauce. Thai chili sauce, the second-place star of this recipe, contains a bonus helping of ginger, plus spicy chili complemented by a sugar or jammy fruit.

Unlike traditional American meatloaf that typically leans on tomato-based flavors, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs like thyme or parsley, this ginger-infused version creates a completely different flavor profile. The fresh ginger provides a warm, slightly peppery heat that permeates the entire dish, creating a delightful aromatic quality that’s absent in classic versions. Where traditional meatloaf offers comforting familiarity, this Asian-inspired variation delivers excitement with each bite – balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes in perfect harmony.

Sweet Ginger Meatloaf

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Take your meatloaf from ho-hum to aha! with this delicious combination of flavors! You can make this Sweet Ginger Meatloaf with ground beef or turkey.

• Author: Norann Oleson
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Entrées

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1%)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey or ground beef
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce (reduced sodium)
• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, and the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Add ground meat, the sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Mix gently, but completely. The mixture will be very wet.
6. Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray.
7. Put the meat mixture into the loaf pan. Brush the top with the tomato paste, and with any remaining Thai chili sauce you might have (if any).
8. Bake in the middle of the oven for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F for beef or 165 degrees F for turkey.
9. Let meatloaf stand for at least 5 minutes before serving.

For a weeknight dinner, this Sweet Ginger Meatloaf couldn’t be more simple to make. You’ll quickly soften the onions, garlic, and ginger in a hot skillet, then mix with the rest of the ingredients. After that, you’ll just pour it in a greased loaf pan to bake, and brush it with tomato paste and any remaining Thai chili sauce—if you have it.

If you’d like, you can make it extra flavorful by simply using Thai chili sauce on top by itself, but if you’re serving it to children, it might be best to stick to their beloved tomato paste crust, with a light glaze of Thai chili sauce on top. Or, keep the Thai chili sauce to the inside. There’s a lot of flavor inside this meatloaf, so you adjust to your preference (and that of your littlest taste testers!)

What makes ginger such a transformative ingredient in this meatloaf? Unlike the earthy, sometimes pungent flavors of traditional meatloaf seasonings, ginger brings a bright, zingy quality that cuts through the richness of the meat. It adds complexity while simultaneously making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing. The aromatic compounds in ginger stimulate the palate in ways that typical meatloaf seasonings simply cannot, creating a more dynamic eating experience.

While the recipe offers the flexibility of using either ground turkey or beef, there are several other protein options worth considering. Ground chicken works beautifully for an even lighter version, while a combination of ground pork and beef creates a richer, more succulent texture. For those seeking plant-based alternatives, a mixture of lentils and mushrooms can mimic the texture of traditional meatloaf while still absorbing the wonderful ginger and Thai chili flavors.

Don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand? Regular breadcrumbs work well as a substitute, though they’ll create a slightly denser texture. For a gluten-free option, crushed rice crackers or certified gluten-free oats provide excellent structure. Some adventurous cooks even report success using cooked and mashed quinoa as a binding agent, which adds protein and a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the ginger beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables. The sweet and spicy flavors also contrast beautifully with cooling cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar. Leftovers transform magnificently into sandwiches – try them on a soft roll with fresh cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and a smear of mayo mixed with a touch more Thai chili sauce.

Temperature Control

The ginger in this recipe does more than just add flavor – it brings a pleasant warmth that complements the Thai chili sauce without overwhelming it. If you prefer a more pronounced ginger flavor, increase the amount to 1½ or even 2 tablespoons. For those sensitive to heat, reducing the Thai chili sauce by half and replacing it with a bit more ketchup creates a milder version that still maintains the distinctive ginger character.

Ginger is easier to grow than you may think! With our Zesty Ginger Gardening Guide, you’ll have everything you need to know about growing and enjoying this versatile plant — including specific advice about soil requirements and fertilizer, watering techniques to details about avoiding bacterial wilt, and even easy-to-make and delicious recipes that will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your ginger gardening labor!

Have you tried this meatloaf recipe? It’s good hot or cold, as a main dish or in a sandwich. Please tell us how it turned out for you.