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Close-up of fresh ingredients for Greek turkey meatballs including ground turkey, herbs, and lemon.

Golden-Brown Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Herb Rice

Juicy, golden-brown Greek turkey meatballs bursting with feta and fresh herbs, nestled on a bed of fluffy, bright white lemon herb rice. A perfect, visually stunning Mediterranean weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey 450g
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs 50g
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 0.33 cup feta cheese 50g, finely crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano 2g
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill 4g, finely chopped
  • 0.5 tsp salt 3g
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper 1g
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 30ml, for frying
Lemon Herb Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice 200g, rinsed
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth 360ml
  • 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley 8g, finely chopped, divided

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast Iron or Non-Stick Skillet Essential for a golden-brown crust.
  • 1 Medium Saucepan with Tight-Fitting Lid For steaming fluffy rice.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil in a saucepan. Stir in rinsed white rice and a pinch of salt. Cover tightly and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  2. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then fold in lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
  3. In a bowl, mix panko, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let sit 2 minutes. Fold in ground turkey, feta, and dill gently. Do not overmix.
  4. Using wet hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 14-16 uniform meatballs.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden-brown and cooked to 165 F (74 C).
  6. Spoon fluffy rice into a shallow bowl. Top with glistening meatballs, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish generously with remaining fresh parsley.

Notes

Tip 1. Rinse your rice to ensure it stays fluffy and bright white.
Tip 2. Wet your hands slightly before rolling the meat mixture so the turkey does not stick to your palms.