Juicy Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers

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Get ready to fire up the grill for one of the most mouthwatering meals you’ll make this season—Juicy Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers. These Mediterranean-inspired skewers are bursting with herbs, warm spices, and a touch of garlic, all wrapped up in a lean, protein-rich turkey base. Perfectly charred on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, they make a satisfying centerpiece for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs.

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and versatility. You can serve the skewers with flatbread, a crisp cucumber salad, or drizzle them with a tangy yogurt sauce. Whether you’re making them for meal prep or a weekend get-together, these koftas pack bold flavor with minimal fuss.

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What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?

For the juiciest kofta, use ground turkey that includes both white and dark meat, ideally around 85-93% lean. Leaner ground turkey can become dry when grilled. Adding grated onion and a splash of olive oil helps retain moisture and infuse flavor.

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Ingredients for the Juicy Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers

• 1 lb ground turkey (85-93% lean)
• 1/4 cup finely grated onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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How To Make the Juicy Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix with your hands or a spatula until well combined but not overworked.

Step 2: Shape the Koftas

Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into an oval or log shape around a soaked bamboo skewer. Press firmly so they hold together on the grill.

Step 3: Chill Before Grilling

Place the shaped koftas on a plate and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This helps them firm up and keeps them from falling apart during cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the kofta skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad. A drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of tzatziki takes them over the top.

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Serving and Storing Juicy Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers

These kofta skewers are best served fresh off the grill, paired with a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce, hummus, or wrapped in warm pita. They also make an excellent protein for grain bowls and salads.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain texture. For longer storage, freeze uncooked skewers on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep turkey kofta from falling apart?

Use a mix of dark and white meat turkey, include binders like onion and olive oil, and chill the skewers before grilling.

Can I make these without skewers?

Yes! Shape the mixture into patties or logs and grill directly on the grates or cook in a skillet.

What sides go well with turkey kofta?

Try cucumber salad, tabbouleh, rice pilaf, roasted veggies, or garlic yogurt sauce.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through and browned.

Are turkey kofta skewers gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spices and condiments.

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Want More Skewer Ideas?

If you’re loving these Grilled Turkey Kofta Skewers, check out these other bold and satisfying dishes:

• Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner loaded with omega-3s.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with rich, creamy flavor.
• Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes to pair as a side.
• Cucumber Salad that refreshes every bite.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest grilling board so you can come back to it all summer.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you swap in ground chicken or beef? Did you serve it with a garlic dip or go classic with tzatziki?

Your tweaks inspire fresh spins, and I love seeing your kitchen creations. Questions? Drop them in the comments.

For daily meal inspiration and more grilling gems, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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