Description
Mediterranean-inspired Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce blend lean protein and zesty herbs in a classic Greek appetizer. Rich flavors and simple ingredients create a delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pita bread or naan
- Greek salad
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Tzatziki Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate to intensify flavors while preparing meatballs.
- Meatball Composition: Thoroughly blend ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently to maintain a light, tender consistency.
- Meatball Shaping: Form mixture into uniform 1½-inch spheres, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Cooking Method: Select preferred technique – pan-searing or oven-roasting. For skillet method, heat olive oil over medium temperature and cook meatballs in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior. For oven preparation, arrange on parchment-lined sheet at 400F, roasting until thoroughly cooked and lightly crisp.
- Temperature Verification: Confirm internal meatball temperature reaches 165F to ensure safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestion: Present meatballs with chilled tzatziki, accompanied by warm pita, atop fresh salad, or as standalone appetizer.
Notes
- Prevent Tough Texture: Gently mix meatball ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can create dense, rubbery meatballs.
- Moisture Maintenance: Include breadcrumbs and egg to help bind ingredients and retain juiciness in the turkey meatballs.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
- Flavor Enhancement: Allow tzatziki sauce to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let herbs and garlic develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg