Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber onto a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness if desired. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, mint, dill, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
- Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This recipe should yield about 16-18 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet while you heat the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown on all sides and cook through. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter, and garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon zest if desired.
- Serve with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the meatballs. Enjoy them warm!
Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
- Keep it moist: The combination of egg, breadcrumbs, and herbs helps keep these meatballs tender and juicy.
- Avoid over-mixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to prevent tough meatballs.
- Baking Option: For an alternative, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning halfway through.
Ways to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs
- In pita bread: Add meatballs, tzatziki, and fresh veggies in warm pita for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
- With rice or quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- As an appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and tzatziki for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Juicy Greek Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki are flavorful, easy to make, and a crowd-pleaser. This recipe offers a delightful combination of savory meatballs and cool, refreshing tzatziki, delivering an authentic Mediterranean experience in every bite.