Lemon-Feta Turkey Meatballs
Inspired by techniques from America's Test Kitchen.
Turkey mince is bound with mayonnaise and panko rather than egg, then studded with crumbled feta, dill and lemon zest for a bright, tangy meatball. A quick covered steam after browning carries the centres to a safe temperature without drying out the lean meat.
Always check the labels of the products you use.
Method
- 1
Mix the meatballs. Combine the feta, panko, mayonnaise, dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the turkey mince and mix with your hands until thoroughly combined.
- 2
Shape and chill. Divide the mixture into 16 portions, about 2 tbsp each. Roll each portion between wet hands to form a ball. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate for 30 min.
- 3
Brown the meatballs. Heat the oil in a 30 cm non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs and cook, turning often, until browned all over, 5-7 min.
- 4
Steam through and serve. Cover the frying pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, shaking and rotating the pan occasionally, until the meatballs register 74 °C, 3-5 min longer. Serve.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3-4 days, reheated gently until piping hot. Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).
Why this label?
21.1 g protein for 309 kcal = 6.8 g per 100 kcal, so protein gives about 27% of the energy. High Protein needs at least 20% (5 g per 100 kcal), the condition in the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. How we decide
EU nutrition claims
- Sugar-free: 0.4 g sugars per 100 g (limit ≤ 0.5 g)
Per 100 g of the finished dish, worked out from the nutrition per serving and the lowest likely cooked weight (about 107 g a serving), so the true values are, if anything, lower. Thresholds from the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. How we decide
Free sugars
0 g per serving
0 % of the 50 g daily maximum · 0 % of the ideal 25 g
Free sugars under 50 g a day, ideally about 25 g, based on WHO free-sugar guidance (not endorsed by WHO). The share shown is the share of one serving. WHO
Equipment
- large bowl
- fine grater
- plate
- 30 cm non-stick frying pan
- tongs
- instant-read thermometer
Nutrition per serving (estimated values)
| Per serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 309 kcal |
| Protein | 21.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.9 g |
| of which sugars | 0.4 g |
| of which free sugars | 0 g |
| Fat | 22.8 g |
| of which saturates | 5.6 g |
| Fibre | 0.4 g |
| Salt | 1.42 g |
Protein per 100 kcal
6.8 g meets High Protein (≥ 5 g, 20% of energy)
Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values
