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When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes can match the appeal of Spicy Sriracha Turkey Meatball Pitas. This vibrant meal brings together the bold, zesty flavors of spicy turkey meatballs, the crisp freshness of vegetables, and the creamy tang of a yogurt-based sauce, all wrapped in a warm pita. Not only is this dish a delight for the taste buds, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional meatball recipes, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious diners and flavor enthusiasts alike.

Spicy Sriracha Turkey Meatball Pitas

Discover the vibrant and delicious Spicy Sriracha Turkey Meatball Pitas, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This tasty dish features spicy turkey meatballs, fresh veggies, and a creamy yogurt sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Not only is it a flavor explosion, but it also offers a healthier alternative with lean ground turkey and whole wheat pitas packed with fiber. Enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and nourishing, ideal for health-conscious food lovers!

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (choose whole wheat or gluten-free for your preference)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (feel free to adjust based on your spice preference)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)

For the Pitas:

4 whole wheat pita pockets

1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine for crunch)

1 medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce (for creaminess)

Additional sriracha for drizzling (optional, for the spice lovers)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To ensure easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh cilantro (if using). Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well integrated, making sure not to overwork the mixture.

      Form Meatballs: Take a small portion of the turkey mixture and shape it into meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. You should yield around 16 meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

        Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have developed a golden-brown exterior.

          Prepare Pitas: While the meatballs are baking, heat each whole wheat pita pocket in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are warm and soft. Alternatively, you can wrap the pitas in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven during the last few minutes of baking the meatballs.

            Assemble the Pitas: Once the meatballs are cooked, it’s time to assemble! Carefully open each pita pocket and stuff them with a generous amount of shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add 3-4 meatballs into each stuffed pita.

              Add Sauce: For the finishing touch, drizzle Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce inside the pita, followed by a splash of additional sriracha if you crave more heat.

                Serve: Serve the spicy turkey meatball pitas immediately while they are warm. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh veggies or a light salad for an extra crunch.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | Serves 4