Craving a flavorful low-carb meal? These Keto Skillet Greek Turkey Patties deliver big Mediterranean taste with simple ingredients perfect for keto diets. Enjoy a satisfying dish that keeps bread crumbs and excess carbs out of the picture.
Why These Turkey Patties Are Perfect for Keto
These patties are your keto-friendly comfort food, combining delicious flavor and wholesome nutrition:
- Low Carb: Made without breadcrumbs or flour, packed with turkey, herbs, feta, and veggies.
- High Protein: Ground turkey ensures a filling meal that keeps those mid-meal cravings at bay.
- Vibrant Flavor: Classic Greek flavors from feta, oregano, and lemon zest brighten every bite.
Essential Ingredients and Their Benefits
Using a handful of smart ingredients enhances taste and nutritional value:
- Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, it perfectly absorbs the feta and herb flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Adds creamy saltiness, making the patties moist and far from dry keto fare.
- Spinach: A low-carb boost adding moisture and nutrients.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Injects freshness to lighten the rich flavors.
- Oregano, Garlic, Onion Powder: Provide authentic Greek seasoning without complicating your pantry.
Flavor and Texture Compared to Traditional Patties
Forget dry turkey patties; these keto-friendly versions are juicy and satisfying:
- Flavor: Feta and herbs replace breadcrumbs to deliver bold, fresh Mediterranean notes.
- Texture: Moist and tender, thanks to spinach and feta’s richness.
- Satisfaction: Balanced protein and fat content keep you full and satisfied longer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Patties
Keep these tips in mind for the best keto turkey patties:
- Mix gently to avoid dense texture.
- Cook over medium heat for a golden crust and thorough cooking.
- Rest patties after cooking to retain juiciness.
Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating
Great for busy lifestyles and keto meal prep:
- Freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper.
- Store cooked patties in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on a skillet or in a low-temp oven to preserve moisture.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile patties fit any occasion:
- Pair with Greek salad, sautéed zucchini, or cauliflower rice for dinner.
- Pack with tzatziki, cucumber, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
- Entertain with a keto mezze platter featuring veggies, feta, and dips like tzatziki.
Enjoy a keto-friendly, delicious Greek turkey patty meal that satisfies cravings without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
Keto Skillet Greek Turkey Patties
These Keto Skillet Greek Turkey Patties are juicy, flavorful, and packed with classic Mediterranean ingredients like feta, spinach, lemon, and oregano. Ground turkey is combined with crumbled feta, chopped spinach, aromatics, and olive oil, then pan-seared in a skillet until golden and cooked through. The patties stay moist and tender without breadcrumbs, keeping carbs low and protein high for a satisfying keto-friendly meal. Serve them with a simple Greek salad, sautéed low-carb vegetables, or cauliflower rice, or add them to a mezze platter with olives and keto-friendly tzatziki. They are perfect for make-ahead meal prep and reheat beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 345kcal
Equipment
- large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Microplane or fine grater
- Spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Greek turkey patties
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey preferably 85% to 93% lean for juicier patties
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese divided, reserve a small handful for serving if desired
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped and lightly packed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for cooking if needed
- 1 large egg room temperature if possible
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 1 medium lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano or use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin optional but recommended for depth of flavor
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
For cooking and serving
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for the skillet
- 1 cup cucumber slices or sticks for serving, optional
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved, optional and in moderation for keto
- 1/3 cup keto-friendly tzatziki sauce store-bought with no added sugar or homemade with Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ground turkey, feta, chopped spinach, parsley, olive oil, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
- Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix until the ingredients are evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a thick patty about the size of your palm, smoothing the edges so they hold together in the skillet.
- Place the formed patties on a plate or tray and let them rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you heat the skillet, which helps them firm up and hold their shape.
- Heat the olive oil for cooking in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.
- Arrange the patties in the hot skillet in a single layer without crowding, working in batches if needed to maintain good browning.
- Cook the patties on the first side without moving them until the bottoms are deep golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Carefully flip each patty and continue cooking until the second side is browned and the centers reach an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4 to 6 minutes more depending on thickness.
- Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices redistribute and the texture stays tender.
- Serve the warm turkey patties with cucumber, tomato, a spoonful of keto-friendly tzatziki, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs and reserved feta if desired.
- For meal prep, allow the patties to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months.
- Reheat chilled or thawed patties gently in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat or in a low oven until warmed through, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving if desired.
Notes
To keep these patties strictly keto, use full-fat feta cheese and a keto-friendly tzatziki made with unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream, olive oil, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs. If your ground turkey is very lean, avoid overcooking so the patties stay moist, and feel free to add another tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for extra richness. You can swap spinach for finely chopped kale or chard, making sure to remove tough stems and chop the leaves very finely. For baking instead of pan-searing, arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, broiling briefly at the end for browning. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 720mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
