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Main CourseDinner

Izgara Köfteler (Grilled Meatballs)

These grilled Turkish meatballs are a staple, offering a delightful blend of savory spices and tender ground meat. They are perfect for a main course, served alongside fresh vegetables or rice. The simple preparation allows the rich flavors to shine through.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 10 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
413 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain eggs and gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Izgara Köfteler (Grilled Meatballs)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 500 gground beef, lean
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, grated
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.25 cupbread crumbs
  • 1 pcsegg
  • 0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsppaprika, sweet
  • 0.5 tspcumin, ground
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, ground
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 1 tbspolive oil

Equipment

plate · grater · grill · plastic wrap · large mixing bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Add the grated yellow onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, egg, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt to the bowl with the ground beef.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the onion is well-drained after grating to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

  3. 3

    Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand until well combined and slightly sticky; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Mixing with your hands is best for incorporating all ingredients evenly.

  4. 4

    Shape the mixture into oval or round patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inch thick.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.

  5. 5

    Arrange the shaped köfteler on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to firm up.

    Cook’s note: Chilling helps the köfteler hold their shape better during cooking.

  6. 6

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    Lightly brush the köfteler with olive oil before placing them on the hot grill.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Grill the köfteler for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of your köfteler and desired doneness.

  9. 9

    Remove the cooked köfteler from the grill and serve immediately.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
413.3kcal
Protein
24.7g
Carbs
10.4g
Fat
30.4g
Fibre
1.5g
Sugar
2.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover köfteler in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a pan over medium heat, in the oven, or in a microwave until warmed through.

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