Description
These easy turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for a quick meal. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, they offer a flavorful twist on classic meatballs. You can either fry them for a crispy exterior or bake them for a fuss-free finish, making them versatile for any kitchen setup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (+ more for frying)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup finely chopped or grated onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy cleanup after cooking.
- Mix the meatball ingredients. In a prep bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together using your hands, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, which should make about 24 pieces. Place them on the prepared baking sheet as you form them.
- Cook the meatballs. You have two options:
– Frying: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in two batches, turning with tongs, until all sides are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 7-10 minutes per batch. Add more oil if needed for the second batch.
– Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning. Confirm they are cooked through with an instant-read thermometer at 165°F. - Cool and store. Once cooked and cooled, portion meatballs into small bags (4-5 per bag) and place them in a larger container to freeze for future convenient meals.
Notes
- To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, so meatballs brown evenly.
- These meatballs freeze well and can be reheated by baking or microwaving.
