Description
This recipe features flavorful Greek turkey meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfectly cooked using your choice of oven baking, pan frying, or air frying, these meatballs make a healthy and delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to over-mix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using clean hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16 to 20 meatballs from the mixture.
- Cook the Meatballs: Choose one cooking method:
• Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
• Pan-Fried: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil, and cook meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked.
• Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place meatballs in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and drain excess water using a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve: Plate the turkey meatballs with a generous serving of tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy them with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
- Draining the cucumber properly in the tzatziki prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs light but moist, adding olive oil if pan frying to prevent sticking.
- Allowing the tzatziki sauce to chill enhances the flavor and texture.
- You can choose any cooking method depending on your preference and equipment availability.
