Turkish Meatballs Recipe

Authentic Turkish meatballs (köfte) recipe, learned from a Turkish cooking class! These flavorful meatballs are perfect served alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes. Easily customizable – feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! I often add extra cumin and chili flakes for an extra kick. Made with a delicious bulgur base and your choice of ground meat (beef recommended). Get ready for a taste of Turkey!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 94.4 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating Be the first
Turkish Meatballs 75

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Turkish Meatballs

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How to Make Turkish Meatballs

  1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Pour over 1 cup of bulgur in a bowl, cover, and let soak for 10 minutes.
  2. Uncover the bulgur and let it cool for a few minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 pound ground beef (or lamb).
  4. Add the cooled bulgur to the bowl and gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
  5. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and slightly flatten them.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and browned. Alternatively, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

13g

Carbs

1g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Turkish Meatballs?

Turkish Meatballs takes about 45 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Turkish Meatballs?

Turkish Meatballs has approximately 94.4 calories per serving, with about 10 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates and 9 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Turkish Meatballs?

The key ingredients for Turkish Meatballs are Bulgar Wheat, Ground Lamb, Onion, Garlic, Raisins, Cumin. See the full list with measurements above.

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