Hey there, friends!
Are you craving something fun and flavorful? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for ground turkey kofta kebabs.
These little bites are packed with herbs, spices, and so much taste.
They’re perfect for grilling or baking and make a great meal or snack.
Let’s dive in and whip up some deliciousness!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or lean ground beef for different flavor profiles while maintaining similar protein content. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed, as beef may require longer cooking. For a vegetarian option, finely chopped mushrooms mixed with cooked lentils can provide a similar texture and umami flavor.
Tahini can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy sauce with lower fat content. Use a 1:1 ratio, but omit the water and adjust consistency with lemon juice. For a nut-based alternative, try cashew butter thinned with water and lemon juice.
Breadcrumbs can be swapped with almond flour or ground oats for a gluten-free option. Use slightly less than the recipe calls for, as these alternatives are more absorbent. If using oats, pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture that binds well with the meat mixture.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2100-2300
- Protein: 140-160 g
- Fat: 130-150 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup tahini
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water (add more for desired thickness)
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 85% lean)
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 medium-sized sweet onion
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers and Preheat the Grill
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour before grilling to prevent them from burning.
If using metal skewers, set aside 6-8 skewers, depending on the size you want for your kebabs.
Preheat the grill on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes to ensure it’s ready when you start grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Mixture
In a food processor, finely chop the onion and garlic.
Add them along with the ground turkey, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
Pulse a few times until well mixed.
Add the egg and lemon juice, and process until the turkey mixture is thick and fairly uniform in texture.
Next, incorporate the breadcrumbs by processing until everything is completely combined.
Step 3: Form the Kebabs
Transfer the turkey mixture into a large mixing bowl.
If the mixture feels too wet and sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs to improve the texture.
With your hands, shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick kebabs around each skewer, forming them to your desired length.
Continue this process for all the skewers until the turkey mixture is used up.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Brush the preheated grill with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the turkey kebabs on the grill and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Flip the kebabs carefully and grill for an additional 4-5 minutes until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
Step 5: Prepare and Adjust the Tahini Garlic Sauce
Combine all the ingredients for the Tahini Garlic Sauce in a food processor and blend until smooth and well combined.
If needed, add more water to achieve the consistency you prefer for drizzling over the kebabs.
Step 6: Serve the Kebabs
Once the kebabs are grilled to perfection, serve them with your favorite accompaniments like pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, and a generous drizzle of the Tahini Garlic Sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!
