Keto Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Keto Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy low-carb dish, perfect for those following a keto diet. Made with ground turkey, almond flour, and a blend of herbs and spices, these meatballs offer a lean protein option without sacrificing flavor. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to bake or pan-fry the meatballs for a crispier texture. Serve them with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, and pair them with a sugar-free marinara or creamy garlic sauce. Easy to prepare, store, and reheat, these meatballs are a convenient meal option for any time of the week.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl To combine all the ingredients.
- Baking sheet For baking the meatballs in the oven.
- Parchment Paper To line the baking sheet (optional, but helps prevent sticking).
- Skillet: If you prefer pan-frying or finishing the meatballs on the stove.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Fork or Whisk - For beating the egg and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula or Tongs - For flipping or removing meatballs from the pan or baking sheet.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or grated Parmesan cheese)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying, if not baking)
Instructions
- Mix ground turkey, almond flour, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and spices in a bowl until well combined.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Let rest, then serve hot with keto-friendly sides and sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Use Almond Flour or Parmesan: Almond flour is a keto-friendly alternative to breadcrumbs, and adding Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and helps with binding.
- Consistent Size: Form the meatballs to a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Smaller meatballs cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Check Doneness: The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if possible.
- Pan-Fry for Crispiness: For a crispier texture, you can pan-fry the meatballs in olive oil after baking, or skip the oven and cook them entirely on the stovetop.
- Freezing Option: These meatballs freeze well. Prepare a large batch and freeze extras for quick meals later. Reheat in the oven or stovetop for best results.
- Sauce Pairing: These meatballs pair wonderfully with sugar-free marinara, creamy garlic sauce, or even a spicy keto-friendly dip.