• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Lemon Bowl®

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Salads
    • Asian
    • Lebanese
    • Mexican
    • Side Dish
    • Snacks
    • Dietary >
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegetarian
    • Recipes By Season >
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
  • Travel
  • Healthy Living
  • Media
    • Newsletter
    • Podcasts
  • About
    • About Liz
    • Media
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Home » Lebanese Recipes » Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties

About 3 minutes to read / 49 Comments

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Jump to Recipe

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

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties - The Lemon BowlDid 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 BowlTo 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.

fattoushA 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.

Your fork is waiting.

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties - The Lemon Bowl

Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties

Ground turkey lightens up this traditional Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor.
4 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main
Cuisine: Lebanese
Keyword: kafta with turkey
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 173kcal
Author: Liz Della Croce

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 16 oz ground turkey breast
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • fresh parsley garnish
  • rice pilaf or pita bread to serve optional

Instructions:

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

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 Facts:

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
Get Featured On Instagram!Did you make this recipe? If so tag @thelemonbowl using the hashtag #thelemonbowl to be featured!

 

Related Posts

Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties - The Lemon Bowl

Grilled Lebanese Beef Kafta Patties

Grilled Italian Turkey Burgers with Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella

Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins

Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins

Ground Turkey and Zucchini with Indian Spices

Turkey Breakfast Sausage - a healthy high protein recipe

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Greek Turkey Burger with Greek Tzatziki Sauce - The Lemon Bowl

Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

Asian Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir Fry - a healthy gluten free dinner recipe

Asian Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Turkey Vegetable Soup with Quinoa - a healthy gluten free soup recipe

Turkey Vegetable Soup with Quinoa


The Lemon Bowl Gift Guide

About Liz Della Croce

Liz is the founder and creator of The Lemon Bowl. With an emphasis on healthy eating and living, Liz’s recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including the cover of Women’s World magazine, Good Housekeeping, Shape, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Food Network Blog, Huffington Post, TODAY Food, Foodgawker and The Cooking Channel. Read More…

Previous Post: « Happy Fourth of July!
Next Post: Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jesselyn A/Jesstinger

    May 13, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    4 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      May 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm

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

      Reply
  2. robin

    April 05, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      April 07, 2014 at 11:24 am

      Oh I’m so glad to hear it!!!

      Reply
  3. Sylvia

    August 22, 2013 at 3:31 pm

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

    thanks!

    Reply
  4. Jacque

    July 26, 2013 at 8:20 am

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

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 26, 2013 at 4:44 pm

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

      Reply
      • Jacque

        July 28, 2013 at 3:11 am

        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

    July 11, 2013 at 1:51 am

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

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 11, 2013 at 1:47 pm

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

      Reply
  6. Liz

    July 09, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Nice – thanks Jen.

    Reply
  7. Julia

    July 09, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    I love kafta! These look great and I love that you grill them!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 4:01 pm

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

      Reply
  8. Kirsten

    July 09, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Liz,
    These look amazing! I am finding volunteer parsley plants popping up all over the place (where were they when I went out and bought 4 more to replace the ones the bunny nibbled?) so I’m delighted for a recipe using a cup of parsley, esp a meat recipe that my son can cook on the grill. Part of his summer enrichment program.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 4:01 pm

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

      Reply
  9. Megan {Country cleaver}

    July 09, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I saw these yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about them! They look so great for summer Liz :)

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 1:38 pm

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

      Reply
  10. Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch

    July 09, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Amazing flavors!! Yum!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 1:36 pm

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

      Reply
  11. Cassie | Bake Your Day

    July 08, 2013 at 9:52 pm

    I love all of the flavors in these. Love it!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:10 am

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

      Reply
  12. Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig

    July 08, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    That sauce and those patties…oh wow!!!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:11 am

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

      Reply
  13. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking

    July 08, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    Such a nutritious and easy meal! Great recipe, Liz!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:11 am

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

      Reply
  14. Laurie {SimplyScratch}

    July 08, 2013 at 4:09 pm

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

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:11 am

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

      Reply
  15. Meagan @ A Zesty Bite

    July 08, 2013 at 3:38 pm

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

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:11 am

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

      Reply
  16. Tina | My Life as a Mrs

    July 08, 2013 at 1:00 pm

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

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 09, 2013 at 8:12 am

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

      Reply
  17. barbara

    July 08, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      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!!

      Reply
      • barbara

        July 08, 2013 at 9:58 pm

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

  18. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain

    July 08, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Liz!!!!!!!!!! I so fist pumping excited about this recipe! Can I come over?

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 11:28 am

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

      Reply
  19. Sheila

    July 08, 2013 at 11:04 am

    MMMm what a great menu! love it all!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 11:27 am

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

      Reply
  20. katie

    July 08, 2013 at 10:17 am

    I’ve only tried beef kafta! Must try this turkey version!!!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 11:28 am

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

      Reply
  21. Aggie

    July 08, 2013 at 8:58 am

    This is the food I crave!! I want the entire meal. I’ve next tried kafta but I’ve seen it on menus.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 9:41 am

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

      Reply
  22. carrian

    July 08, 2013 at 8:48 am

    ohhhh, I love trying new things! These look awesome!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      July 08, 2013 at 11:18 am

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

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Search Recipes:


or browse the full recipe index »
Welcome To The Lemon Bowl!

Focusing on seasonal ingredients and whole foods, my collection of recipes is inspired by ethnic flavors from around the world.
Click HERE to learn More About Me →

Winter Favorites

Farro Salad with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese

White Chicken Chili Soup Recipe

White Bean and Chicken Chili

Lemony Chicken and Brussels Penne - The Lemon Bowl

Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with Penne Pasta

Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Fries - The Lemon Bowl

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Fries

Fire Roasted Sausage and Kale Pasta

Fire Roasted Sausage and Kale Pasta

Braised Collard Greens With Garlic

Braised Collard Greens With Garlic

See More!

Footer

Copyright © 2019 The Lemon Bowl® on the Foodie Pro Theme

×
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Media
  • Podcasts
  • About Liz

Modern Mobile Menu Social icons

  • Follow Me!

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2019 The Lemon Bowl ®
    Disclosure & Privacy Policy | Contact


    Newsletter Signup