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Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

These Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, featuring fresh lemon zest and juices combined with aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection and optionally tossed in a light lemon herb sauce, they make a perfect dish for a nutritious dinner that pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp milk or broth
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

Optional Lemon Herb Sauce

  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chopped parsley
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, grated onion, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, yielding about 16 to 18 meatballs. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
  5. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Make Optional Sauce: While the meatballs bake, whisk together chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a skillet. Warm the sauce over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Toss and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, toss them gently in the warmed lemon herb sauce if using. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • The optional lemon herb sauce adds extra moisture and flavor but can be omitted if desired.
  • These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, lemon herb meatballs, healthy meatballs, baked meatballs, low fat recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/lemon-herb-turkey-meatballs-recipe/