Introduction
Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The combination of garlic butter and lemon is a match made in heaven, and when paired with tender turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles, it’s a recipe for success. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and explore what makes it a great option for a meal.
The benefits of this dish are numerous, from its low carb count to its ease of preparation. The use of garlic butter adds a rich and creamy flavor that complements the turkey meatballs perfectly. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or just looking for a new recipe to try, Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is sure to impress.
So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles provides a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. The addition of lemon and garlic butter adds a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal option. The turkey meatballs are made with lean protein, and the zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. The garlic butter adds a rich and creamy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
The unique combination of turkey meatballs, zucchini noodles, and garlic butter makes this recipe a standout. The lemon adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the dish perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or just want to mix things up, Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. The ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef or chicken if preferred. The breadcrumbs can be made from gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option. The Parmesan cheese can be substituted with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano.
The garlic butter is a key component of this recipe, and it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. The lemon juice adds a burst of citrus flavor, and it’s best to use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor. The zucchini noodles can be substituted with other low-carb noodles, such as spiralized carrots or zucchini.
For those with dietary restrictions, there are a few substitutions that can be made. The eggs can be replaced with flax eggs for a vegan option. The cheese can be substituted with vegan cheese or omitted altogether. The gluten-free breadcrumbs can be made from gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. A oven is necessary for baking the turkey meatballs. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is essential for preventing the meatballs from sticking. A spiralizer is necessary for creating the zucchini noodles. A pan is needed for sautéing the zucchini noodles and making the garlic butter.
A garlic press is a useful tool for mincing the garlic. A lemon juicer is necessary for freshly squeezing the lemon juice. A meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop can be used to form the turkey meatballs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground turkey, garlic, and butter in a bowl until just combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Spiralize zucchinis into noodle-like strands.
- Sauté zucchini noodles in a pan with a little bit of butter until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice to the pan with zucchini noodles and toss to combine.
- Serve garlic butter turkey meatballs on top of lemon zucchini noodles.
Visual Guide & Tips
When forming the turkey meatballs, make sure to handle the mixture gently to avoid compacting it too much. This will help the meatballs cook evenly and prevent them from becoming dense.
When baking the turkey meatballs, make sure to leave enough space between each meatball to allow for even cooking. This will help prevent the meatballs from steaming instead of browning.
When sautéing the zucchini noodles, make sure to use a little bit of butter to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan. This will also add flavor to the dish.
Pro Tips & Tricks
To ensure even cooking, make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet with turkey meatballs. This will help the meatballs cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of browning.
To prevent the turkey meatballs from becoming dense, make sure to not overmix the mixture. This will help the meatballs retain their texture and flavor.
To add extra flavor to the dish, make sure to use fresh ingredients. The garlic butter and lemon juice will add a burst of flavor to the dish, and using fresh ingredients will ensure that the flavors are vibrant and delicious.
The garlic butter is a key component of this recipe, and it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. The garlic should be minced finely to release its flavor, and the butter should be softened to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The garlic butter turkey meatballs can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach. The lemon zucchini noodles can be substituted with other low-carb noodles, such as spiralized carrots or zucchini.
To store leftovers, simply refrigerate or freeze the turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles separately. The garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
There are many variations of this recipe that you can try. The turkey meatballs can be substituted with beef meatballs or chicken meatballs. The zucchini noodles can be substituted with other low-carb noodles, such as spiralized carrots or zucchini. The garlic butter can be substituted with other sauces, such as au jus or alfredo sauce. For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, check out our low-carb Salisbury steak recipe.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 1g
This recipe is a great option for those looking for a low-carb and healthy meal. The turkey meatballs are made with lean protein, and the zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. The garlic butter adds a rich and creamy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of turkey. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the fat content of the beef.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: To store leftovers, simply refrigerate or freeze the turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles separately. The garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I substitute the zucchini noodles with other low-carb noodles?
A: Yes, you can substitute the zucchini noodles with other low-carb noodles, such as spiralized carrots or zucchini.
Q: How do I make the garlic butter?
A: To make the garlic butter, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. You can also add other ingredients, such as lemon juice or parsley, to create a unique flavor.
Q: Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion. The garlic butter turkey meatballs and lemon zucchini noodles make a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for a low-carb diet. The turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles are low in carbs, and the garlic butter adds a rich and creamy flavor without adding extra carbs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is a delicious and healthy recipe that is perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb meal option. The combination of garlic butter and lemon is a match made in heaven, and the turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles provide a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes.
So why not give it a try? With its ease of preparation and delicious flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes or pin it on Pinterest if you make it!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes!
Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs and Lemon Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground turkey, garlic, and butter in a bowl until just combined.
- Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Spiralize zucchinis into noodle-like strands.
- Sauté zucchini noodles in a pan with a little bit of butter until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice to the pan with zucchini noodles and toss to combine.
- Serve garlic butter turkey meatballs on top of lemon zucchini noodles.