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Golden Greek turkey meatballs stacked on a ceramic plate with crumbled feta and fresh dill, lemon wedges on the side

Pan-Fried Greek Turkey Meatballs with Feta and Lemon

Pan-fried turkey meatballs with lemon zest, feta, and fresh herbs, ready in about 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 421

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 red onion small (80 g), grated
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley / 15 g; finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill / 8 g; finely chopped
  • 1 lemon zest lemon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs / 50 g
  • 1/2 cup feta / 75 g; crumbled
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • 1 lemon wedges lemon, cut into wedges; for serving

Method
 

  1. Grate the onion into a large mixing bowl, then add the minced garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
  2. Add the ground turkey, egg, panko, feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until everything is combined. Stop as soon as it holds together, overmixing makes the meatballs dense.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 16 meatballs, roughly 45 to 50 g each, a little smaller than a golf ball. Place them on a sheet pan and chill for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add half the meatballs, leaving space between each one so they brown instead of steam. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown all over, about 8 minutes total.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 more minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 F / 74 C.
  7. Transfer the first batch to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and repeat searing and covered cooking with the second batch.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meatballs and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Grate the onion, don't chop it, for a juicier mix.
  • Chill shaped meatballs 10 to 15 minutes before frying.
  • Sear in two batches, don't crowd the skillet.
  • Pull meatballs at 165 F / 74 C internal temperature.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over right before serving, not during cooking.