Zesty Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Say hello to Zesty Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs, your new go-to dish when you want something flavorful yet light. These meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon that makes them perfect for any season.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey is the star of the show here, offering a lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully. Gluten-free breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs without adding gluten. The combination of fresh parsley and cilantro brings an aromatic freshness, while lemon zest adds a zesty brightness. Garlic gives a savory depth, and a large egg helps hold everything together. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
  • If you don’t have gluten-free breadcrumbs, oat flour can be a good substitute.
  • Chop the herbs finely to ensure even distribution throughout the meatballs.
  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatball sizes.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a healthy base. A side of roasted vegetables would complement them nicely, and a drizzle of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice can really bring out their flavors. They also work well as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these meatballs be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can substitute with more parsley or try basil for a different flavor profile.

Zesty Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients. It really helps to measure everything out first, so you’re not scrambling around once you get going. In a large bowl, toss in the ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, egg, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything until it's nicely combined. You want it to be mixed, but not overworked, which could make the meatballs tough.

Next, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Once they’re all rolled out, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, it’s ready for the meatballs.

Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, giving them space to brown properly. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, giving them a turn every couple of minutes so they get a nice even brown on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re brown outside and cooked through inside.

Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This rest period helps them retain their juices, making them even more delicious when you serve them up.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
  • Bright and refreshing flavors make them stand out.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various sides or sauces.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, egg, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add meatballs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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