Flavorful & Healthy Turkey Kofta Kebabs: Your Ultimate Mediterranean Grilling Recipe
Discover the ultimate Mediterranean delight with this incredible Turkey Kofta Kebab recipe! These succulent kebabs offer a burst of fresh herbs and warm, aromatic spices, perfectly blended with lean ground turkey. Whether enjoyed on their own, tucked into a soft pita, served with creamy hummus, or as part of a vibrant rice or quinoa bowl, these turkey kofta kebabs are a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion. They are particularly fantastic for summer grilling, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right to your backyard BBQ.
Embrace the World of Kofta: A Family Favorite
Kofta, a culinary staple across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Balkans, refers to a family of meatball or meatloaf dishes. It’s typically made from ground meat—often beef, lamb, or in this case, turkey—mixed with various spices, herbs, and sometimes onions or other binders. What makes kofta so universally beloved is its incredible adaptability and rich flavor profile, varying from region to region and even household to household. In our home, kebabs are a constant request!
From the savory depths of Chicken Kofta Kebabs to the robust flavors of Grilled Beef Kafta Kebabs, and the distinctive taste of Lamb Kofta, we’ve explored many variations. These Mediterranean Beef Kabobs are also a regular feature. The beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine lies in its diverse options, offering something delightful for every palate.
Today, we’re thrilled to share this specific Turkey Kofta Kebab recipe, developed in partnership with the Ohio Poultry Association. While kofta is frequently found in Turkish cuisine and Lebanese cuisine, this particular rendition offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative to traditional recipes. It’s a dish I prepare regularly for my family, consistently ranking among our favorite Turkish-inspired kebab recipes. The fusion of warm spices with the tender ground turkey creates a harmonious flavor that is both comforting and exotic.
Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein, ensuring you feel satisfied and energized. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Imagine serving it alongside a refreshing Fattoush Salad, a zesty Lebanese Salad, or a vibrant Tabbouleh. The fresh, crisp notes of these salads perfectly complement the rich flavors of the kebabs.
For a more casual meal, I often serve these kofta on warm pita bread or in pita pockets. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of herbaceous dill yogurt sauce, a generous scoop of homemade hummus, or a nutty tahini sauce elevates the experience, adding layers of texture and flavor. Alternatively, for a wholesome and hearty option, incorporate them into a rice or quinoa bowl with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients like thinly sliced red onion, chopped ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers.
The Power of Turkey: A Lean and Nutritious Protein
Ground turkey has become a weekly staple in my family’s meal planning, and for good reason. Its versatility allows for a wide array of delicious and healthy dishes, from an Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta that’s quick and satisfying, to a creative Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza. We also love it in light and fresh Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps and comforting Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs.
Beyond its culinary flexibility, turkey is a nutrient-rich protein source that stands out for being lower in fat and calories compared to many other meat options. This makes it an excellent choice for crafting wholesome and balanced meals for your family. Including protein-packed foods like turkey in your diet can significantly contribute to maintaining a healthy weight by promoting satiety and keeping you feeling fuller for longer periods.
When you choose turkey, you’re opting for a protein that offers fewer calories than many lean red meats. On average, it contains less than one-fourth of the maximum daily-recommended cholesterol intake, minimal total fat and saturated fat, and is naturally low in sodium, typically containing less than 30 mg per ounce. These nutritional attributes make turkey an incredibly valuable component of a healthy eating plan.
Supporting Local: Ohio Turkey Farming
Beyond the health benefits, I also take pride in supporting Ohio farmers when preparing meals for my family. Ohio’s dedicated turkey farmers work tirelessly, 365 days a year, to ensure that the turkey gracing your family’s table is safe, high-quality, and nutritious. Their commitment to responsible farming practices helps sustain local communities and provides families like ours with excellent poultry products.
You can even meet the Ohio turkey farmers who are at the heart of this industry, working diligently to provide nutritious turkey year-round. It’s truly inspiring to see the passion and effort they put into their work. Ohio plays a significant role in turkey farming, producing nearly 278 million pounds of turkey annually, which ranks the state 9th in the nation for turkey production. This substantial contribution highlights the robust agricultural landscape of Ohio.
The turkey industry in Ohio also contributes significantly to the state’s economy, being responsible for the creation of 21,846 jobs annually and generating $1 billion in earnings. This economic impact underscores the importance of local agriculture. U.S. turkey consumption has more than doubled since 1970, a testament to consumers’ growing appreciation for turkey’s delicious taste and impressive nutritional profile. Americans of all ages enjoy turkey, embracing its healthful “comfort food” qualities.
A national study on turkey consumption revealed that nearly half of U.S. consumers eat turkey at least once every two weeks, with more than a quarter regularly consuming turkey deli meat. This statistic certainly holds true for my own family! In 2019, approximately 230 million turkeys were raised on about 2,500 U.S. farms, showcasing the scale and reach of this important agricultural sector.
Key Ingredients for Turkey Kofta Kebabs
Crafting these delectable turkey kofta kebabs requires a careful selection of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices that come together to create their signature Mediterranean flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Lean Ground Turkey: The star of the show. I prefer 85% lean ground turkey for a good balance of flavor and moisture without excess fat.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base that is essential in Middle Eastern cooking.
- Onion: A sweet onion, finely chopped, adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
- Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh Mint: Offers a bright, cooling contrast to the warm spices.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides an earthy, fresh flavor and vibrant green flecks.
- Spices: The heart and soul of the kofta, creating its distinct warm and savory profile.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Coriander: Citrusy and sweet, complementing the cumin.
- Cinnamon: Adds a unique, subtle sweetness and depth. Don’t skip it!
- Allspice: A complex spice with notes of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Cloves: Pungent and sweet, used sparingly for a strong aromatic touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a gentle kick of heat.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that balances the other spices.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the kofta mixture hold its shape on the skewers.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a tangy zest.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring the kebabs are tender and hold together well. Both regular and panko breadcrumbs work beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Turkey Kofta Kebabs
Making these flavorful turkey kofta kebabs is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these steps for perfect kebabs every time:
1. Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you opt for metal skewers, simply set aside about 6-8, depending on your desired kebab size. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes before you begin cooking, ensuring an even and consistent sear.
2. Create the Kofta Mixture
In a food processor, finely chop the onion and garlic. Then, add the ground turkey, fresh parsley, fresh mint, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the food processor. Give it a few quick pulses until the ingredients are just combined. Next, add the slightly beaten egg and lemon juice, and process until the turkey mixture starts to become thick and everything is well incorporated. Finally, add the breadcrumbs and process until the mixture is fully combined and cohesive. Transfer the turkey mixture from the food processor to a large bowl. If the mixture feels excessively wet or sticky, making it difficult to handle, you can incorporate a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs until it reaches a workable consistency.
3. Form the Turkey Kofta
With clean hands, take portions of the meat mixture and firmly mold them around your prepared skewers. Aim for a thickness of 1 to 1 1/2 inches, shaping them into elongated kebabs or meatball-like forms along the length of the skewer. Adjust the length to your preference. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until all the turkey is formed onto skewers.
4. Grill the Kebabs to Perfection
Lightly brush your grill grates or grill pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the formed kebabs on the preheated grill. Grill over medium heat for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop beautiful grill marks and are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Serve these hot and flavorful kebabs immediately with your preferred sides like warm pita bread, creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh, and a generous drizzle of homemade tahini garlic sauce.
Recipe Tips and Flavorful Modifications
Here are some additional tips and ideas to customize your turkey kofta kebabs and ensure they are always a hit:
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While grilled kofta boasts a fantastic smoky flavor, these kebabs are also delicious when baked. To bake, arrange them on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through. This is a great option when grilling isn’t feasible.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spices. Consider adding sumac for a tangy, lemony note, za’atar for its earthy and aromatic qualities, or a touch of Greek seasoning for a different regional twist.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs are key to vibrant kofta. While parsley and mint are a classic combination, don’t hesitate to try other fresh herbs like dill for a subtle anisy flavor or basil for an Italian-Mediterranean fusion.
- Adjusting the Heat: If you enjoy a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne red pepper in the mixture. You can also add a pinch of Aleppo pepper for a milder, fruitier heat.
- Breadcrumb Choices: Both regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs work well. Panko tends to create a slightly lighter and crispier texture, while regular breadcrumbs yield a more traditional, dense kofta. Choose based on your preference.
- Making Ahead & Freezing: You can prepare the kofta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before forming and cooking. For longer storage, shape the kofta onto skewers (or into meatballs), flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Ensuring Doneness: The best way to know your turkey kofta kebabs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Perfect Pairings for Your Turkey Kofta Kebabs
These versatile turkey kofta kebabs are truly elevated when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some of our favorite ideas to create a complete and unforgettable Mediterranean feast:
- Hummus and Dips:
- Creamy, homemade Lebanese Hummus is a classic choice, offering a smooth, garlicky contrast.
- Brighten things up with Lemon Hummus for an extra zesty kick.
- For a smoky and sweet flavor, try Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, a vibrant Spicy Hummus will perfectly complement the kofta.
- Don’t forget a refreshing Tzatziki or a simple Greek yogurt sauce with fresh dill for a cooling element.
- Fresh and Flavorful Salads:
- A crisp Easy Lebanese Salad with its simple yet vibrant ingredients is always a winner.
- Explore unique textures and flavors with a Mediterranean Eggplant Salad.
- For a hearty and wholesome option, serve alongside a Mediterranean Bean Salad.
- Classic Tabbouleh (as mentioned earlier) or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad are also excellent choices.
- Wholesome Grain Bowls:
- Integrate these kebabs into vibrant Mediterranean Buddha Bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini.
- They make an excellent protein addition to Beef Kafta Meatball Bowls (simply swap for turkey kofta).
- Serve with couscous or bulgur wheat, reminiscent of a deconstructed Chicken Shawarma platter.
- Delicious Roasted Vegetables:
- Pair with a medley of Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sweet and savory Za’atar Roasted Carrots offer a delightful earthy flavor.
- For a healthy and flavorful side, Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower adds a beautiful color and gentle spice.
With these suggestions, you can create a diverse and satisfying meal that highlights the incredible flavors of your homemade turkey kofta kebabs!
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
Turkey Kofta Kebab Recipe
Saved
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey , {I like 85% lean ground turkey}
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 3 tbsps. parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps. mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. coriander
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. allspice
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes , or cayenne red pepper {optional}
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 3 tbsps. breadcrumbs
- 1 cup tahini
- 4 garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
If you are using wooden skewers you will want to soak them for an hour before you grill. If you are using metal skewers set about 6-8 aside depending on how big you want to make your kebabs.
-
Preheat the grill on medium-high heat for 10 minutes before you start grilling.
-
In a food processor chop the onion and garlic until finely chopped. Add the ground turkey, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and give it a few pulses.
-
Add the egg and lemon juice and process until the turkey starts to become a thick mixture and everything is pretty well mixed together.
-
Add the breadcrumbs and process until everything is combined.
-
Remove the turkey mixture from the food processor and put it into a large mixing bowl. If the mixture feels very wet and sticky and hard to work with you can add a bit more breadcrumbs so the mixture sticks together better.
-
Use your hands to form 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick kebabs or meatballs shaped kebabs around the skewers making them as long as you want. Do this using each of the skewers until your turkey is done.
-
Brush the grill with oil. Put the kebabs on the grill and grill them over the medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on one side, flip and grill another 4 to 5 minutes.
-
Serve the kebabs with your favorite pita, hummus, tabbouleh and a drizzle of the tahini garlic sauce.
-
Put all the ingredients for the Tahini Garlic Sauce in a food processor and process until everything is combined and the sauce is smooth.
-
Add more water to reach the consistency you like.
Notes
- Keep in mind ground turkey is a much wetter ground meat to work with. You might have to add more breadcrumbs to the mixture if it seems too wet.
- These work great in many meals. Try adding them on top of Fattoush or alongside Tabbouleh.
- Make a pita sandwich out of the kebabs along with tomato, a scoop of tabbouleh, hummus and the tahini garlic sauce.
- Traditional chicken kafta doesn’t always use breadcrumbs but I like to add that in to help with the consistency of the meat and make it easier to form into kebabs on the skewers.
Nutrition
Per Serving:
- Calories: 583 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Cholesterol: 103mg
- Sodium: 579mg
- Potassium: 869mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1502IU
- Vitamin C: 29mg
- Calcium: 207mg
- Iron: 7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s post is sponsored by Ohio Poultry Association. As always, opinions are 100% my own.