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Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe

Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a healthy and flavorful dish featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, this recipe offers a delicious and light meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried according to your preference, making it versatile and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

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

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated; avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This batch should produce about 16 to 20 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs – Oven-Baked Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
  4. Cook the Meatballs – Pan-Fried Option: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through.
  5. Cook the Meatballs – Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place meatballs in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through the cooking.
  6. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and olive oil.
  7. Season and Chill the Sauce: Stir the sauce well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Plate the cooked turkey meatballs and serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Complement the dish with warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
  • You can bake, pan-fry, or air-fry the meatballs depending on your preference and available equipment.
  • Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
  • If you prefer a spicier option, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in both meatballs and tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek turkey meatballs, tzatziki sauce, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, lean ground turkey, easy dinner, air fryer meatballs

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/greek-turkey-meatballs-with-tzatziki-recipe/