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Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Ground turkey lightens up this traditional Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor.

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prep time10 minutes

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties - The Lemon Bowl

Did you know that my family is Middle Eastern? I’m kidding. Garlic, lemon juice and olive oil runs through my veins. In fact, my Syrian heritage is the reason this blog is named The Lemon Bowl. One of my favorite Lebanese dishes is grilled kafta kabobs. Traditionally made with a lamb and beef combination, I decided to create a lighter version with ground turkey breast which we almost always have on hand.

Thanks to the juicy onion and plenty of fresh parsley, these Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties came out tender, moist and delicious. Even my beef-loving husband admitted that I nailed it. Our 21 month old ate three patties so clearly they got his stamp of approval as well. 

Cucumber Laban - The Lemon Bowl

To serve, make a batch of Cucumber Laban – Lebanese Yogurt Sauce. Cool, creamy and tangy – it is the perfect balance to any grilled meat or seafood but works particularly well with kafta.

fattoush

A classic Middle Eastern Salad or Fattoush Salad would also be great with this dish. Don’t worry about too much garlic, two garlic breaths balance out the other so eat up and enjoy.

BTW – This recipe (and entire suggested menu) is completely gluten free! Perfect for summer grilling season, especially when you may be hosting guests with various allergies. For more delicious gluten free recipe ideas and gluten free living support, head on over to the Udi’s Gluten Free Community.

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Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties?

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Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties - The Lemon Bowl

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties

Liz Della Croce
4 stars
Ground turkey lightens up this traditional Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
CourseMain Dish
Serves4

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  1. Pre-heat grill on high.
  2. Pour olive oil on to a large plate; set aside.
  3. Pulse together all remaining ingredients (ground turkey through nutmeg) in a food processor until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove blade from food processor and use hands to form 8 small patties.
  5. Place patties on plate with olive oil and toss once to coat both sides.
  6. Grill over high heat 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until internal cooking temperature reaches 165 degrees or higher.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice pilaf or in a pita bread with cucumber yogurt sauce.

Liz’s Notes

These patties can be cooked under the broiler just as easily as they can be grilled! Just broil on high for 4-5 minutes per side or until browned.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.1g | Protein: 28.7g | Fat: 4.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 648mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 1.7g

Have you tried my


Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

We love hearing from you! This helps us continue to provide free, high-quality recipes.


4 from 1 vote

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32 responses to “Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties”

  1. Jesselyn A/Jesstinger Avatar
    Jesselyn A/Jesstinger

    I’m a huge fan of Lebanese food ~ and Middle Eastern cuisine in general. I couldn’t agree more about how essential the onion is to this recipe, but authentic or not, I just can’t resist adding a bit garlic too…

    Also as you note, kafta is traditionally made with lamb and beef ~ and my Honey/Hubby LOVES the taste of LAMB (me too…) but I did find that while not as healthy /light as going with the straight ground turkey, doing a turkey/lamb combo gives the kafta the taste and texture Hubby craves ~ with an improved fat/nutrition profile. Thanks!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I completely agree and also LOVE lamb!! I wish it was leaner!!! I hope you enjoy these!

  2. robin Avatar
    robin

    I made these tonight, with the Lebanese chickpea salad and the cucumber laban. Amazing!! Loved the flavors and the turkey patties, so moist and tasty.Will definitely do this again!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I’m so glad to hear it!!!

  3. Sylvia Avatar
    Sylvia

    is there something you can use in the place of dried mint? my grocery store didn’t have it : (

    thanks!

  4. Jacque Avatar
    Jacque

    This sounds yummy!! I don’t have a food processor but I do have a blender and a kitchen aid mixer…any suggestions?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I would use a blender or just use your hands and mince the parsley and onion. :)

      1. Jacque Avatar
        Jacque

        Thanks for the quick response! I am going to try it this week. I have really enjoyed your recipes. My husband is somewhat of a food snob so I find it difficult to find recipes that are fairly healthy and actually taste good. We use your shawarma recipe all the time now. Thanks again!

  5. Des @ Life's Ambrosia Avatar
    Des @ Life’s Ambrosia

    Ooooh these look fantastic! And I’m sure my 21 month old would love them too!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I didn’t realize you had a 21 month old!! Let me know if you try them!

  6. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Nice – thanks Jen.

  7. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Oh yes this is ideal for parsley in the garden this time of year!!!

  8. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Wish we could eat and make it together!! With your mom’s yogurt!

  9. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks chica – you should try them sometime!!! So easy and healthy and good!

  10. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks Robyn!! Hope you had a great 4th!

  11. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Nutritious and easy is my middle name – haha!! Thanks Georgia!!

  12. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks Cathy – they are a huge hit in our house!!

  13. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks lady – such simple ingredients but so nice to do something different with plain ground turkey. :)

  14. Laurie {SimplyScratch} Avatar
    Laurie {SimplyScratch}

    This is the perfect meal! From top to bottom I’m in love with it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thanks lady!!! Let me know if you try it!

  15. Meagan @ A Zesty Bite Avatar
    Meagan @ A Zesty Bite

    What a great recipe! I love middle eastern flavors in recipes.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Me too…always reminds me of my relatives that are no longer with us. Love that about food!

  16. Tina | My Life as a Mrs Avatar
    Tina | My Life as a Mrs

    DROOLING. Can I come over for lunch?? ;)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YES!! Please!!! :) That would be so fun!

  17. barbara Avatar
    barbara

    These sound yummy, but I have a question: any suggestions if the onion needs to be left out? My husband needs to avoid all members of the onion family.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hi Barbara: Onions are a key component to kafta so although I can give you suggestions for another recipe, it would not be anything to compare to traditional kafta. Perhaps you could make these patties more of an Italian style with parmesan cheese instead of onions? You could add sundried tomatoes too. Again, kafta really relies on the onion so I would probably just make something different. :-) I hope you understand!!

      1. barbara Avatar
        barbara

        I do understand completely and appreciate the thoughtful reply! I love your site by the way!

  18. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Fist pump right back atcha!! Your seat is waiting. :) Wear a white dress.

  19. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    We adore beef kafta also but I thought it would be fun to try it with turkey and it worked!!

  20. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Thanks friend! Hope you had a great 4th of July weekend!! xo

  21. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    You’d love them!! So lean but so full of flavor. My 22 month old ate three of them!

  22. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
    Liz DellaCroce

    Me too!! I eat more Lebanese food when I’m pregnant than any other time!