Ah, Greek turkey meatballs. Just saying the words makes my mouth water. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, juicy orb of seasoned turkey, with hints of oregano and lemon dancing on your tongue.
It’s like a little taste of Athens right in your kitchen. And speaking of kitchens, remember when everyone was baking bread during lockdown? Well, these meatballs are the new quarantine bread—comforting, simple, and oh so satisfying.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate large bowl, add ground turkey and a large egg. Pour in the breadcrumb mixture and gently mix using your hands until everything is evenly combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, roughly two tablespoons each. To ensure even sizing, divide the mixture into quarters, then subdivide each quarter into four pieces, rolling them into meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or for a more golden exterior, bake for 15 minutes and then brown them in a hot skillet with butter for an additional five minutes.
- Alternatively, for air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Cook the meatballs for about 8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve the turkey meatballs as desired, perhaps with pasta and sauce, in soups, or with a side salad and garlic bread. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
Nutritional Values
Calories: 852 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g | Protein: 124 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A | Sodium: 2036 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- Can I use different cooking methods for turkey meatballs?
- Yes, turkey meatballs can be cooked using various methods. You can bake them in the oven, cook them in a skillet, or use an air fryer. Each method will give the meatballs a slightly different texture and browning level.
- What type of ground turkey should I use for the meatballs?
- It’s recommended to use 93% lean ground turkey for these meatballs. This blend has enough fat to prevent the meatballs from drying out, while still being leaner than beef. Avoid using 99% lean ground turkey as it might result in drier, tougher meatballs.
- How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
- The combination of breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the turkey meatballs together, preventing them from falling apart during cooking. This mixture also helps retain moisture, keeping the meatballs tender.
- Can these turkey meatballs be frozen?
- Yes, turkey meatballs freeze well, making them a convenient option for future meals. Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container and freezing. They can be stored for up to three months.
- What are some serving suggestions for turkey meatballs?
- Turkey meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato or Alfredo sauce, and pair well with pasta. They can also be added to soups like Minestrone, or served with garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ground Turkey: Opt for 93% lean ground turkey to ensure the meatballs remain juicy and flavorful. Avoid using 99% lean turkey as it may lead to dry and tough meatballs.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the turkey, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense and tough meatballs.
- Batch Cook for Even Browning: Whether using a skillet or an air fryer, cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they brown evenly and cook through properly.
- Enhance Flavor with a Skillet Finish: For a more appealing golden brown exterior, consider finishing the partially baked meatballs in a hot skillet with butter or oil. This step adds extra flavor and a satisfying texture.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet
