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Oval, golden-brown bulgur shells with a coarse, pebbly surface are arranged on a plate, with one cut open to show a dark minced-meat filling flecked with onion and herbs.

İvli köfte Calories

Traditional Turkish meatball with bulgur and ground meat

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

180kcal

GI

55medium

POTASSIUM · 100 G

210mg

FIBER · 100 G

2.2g

Quick answer

3 piece (medium) of İvli köfte (120 g) has 216 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 21.6 g of carbs, 12 g of protein, 8.4 g of fat and 2.6 g of fiber. Its 0.8 µg of B12 covers 35% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

İvli köfte Nutrition Facts

Selected: 3 piece (medium) · 120 g

216

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

21.6g

· 8% DV

Protein

12g

· 24% DV

Fat

8.4g

· 11% DV

Fiber

2.6g

· 9% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 41% · Protein 23% · Fat 36%

İvli köfte nutrition facts table · 3 piece (medium) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories216 kcal
Total fat8.4 g11%
Saturated fat3.12 g16%
Trans fat0.06 g
Sodium456 mg20%
Total carbohydrate21.6 g8%
Fiber2.6 g9%
Protein12 g24%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 3 Pieces of İvli köfte?

ServingAmountCalories
3 piece (medium)120 g216 kcal
1 piece (extra small)30 g54 kcal
1 piece (small)40 g72 kcal
1 piece (large)60 g108 kcal
100 g100 g180 kcal
1 serving (medium)150 g270 kcal
5 piece (large)200 g360 kcal
2 serving (large)300 g540 kcal

Calculated from 180 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About İvli köfte

What is İvli köfte?

İvli köfte is a traditional Turkish meatball made with bulgur and ground meat. Its shape and preparation can vary by recipe, so descriptions of one local version may not apply to every version.

How do you make İvli köfte?

To make İvli köfte, combine softened bulgur with ground meat and the seasonings in your chosen recipe, then knead until the mixture holds together. Shape it as directed and cook it through using that recipe’s method.

What kind of bulgur is used in İvli köfte?

Fine köftelik bulgur is commonly used for İvli köfte because it blends readily into a cohesive meat mixture. Follow your recipe’s instructions for softening it; coarse bulgur may need a different treatment and can change the texture.

Why does İvli köfte fall apart while cooking?

İvli köfte can fall apart if the bulgur has not softened enough or the mixture has not been kneaded until cohesive. Add water gradually while kneading, and test-cook one small piece before cooking the whole batch.

Can you bake İvli köfte instead of cooking it the traditional way?

Yes, you can bake İvli köfte, although baking may give it a different exterior and texture from the method in your recipe. Arrange the pieces with space between them and check that the centers are fully cooked.

Is İvli köfte the same as içli köfte?

Not necessarily. İçli köfte is commonly made with a bulgur shell enclosing a separate filling, while İvli köfte’s exact form can vary by recipe. Check the specific preparation rather than assuming the names mean the same dish.

Where does İvli köfte come from?

İvli köfte is described as a traditional Turkish dish, but the information available does not establish one specific town or region as its origin. It is better not to assign it to a particular place without a reliable local source.

What should you serve with İvli köfte?

Serve İvli köfte with a crisp salad, yogurt, or cacık, a Turkish cucumber-and-yogurt dish. These cool, fresh sides complement the rich meat and bulgur without turning the meal into another heavy course.

Can you freeze İvli köfte?

Yes. Cool cooked İvli köfte before freezing it in an airtight container, or freeze uncooked shaped pieces separately before packing them together. Thaw them safely before reheating or cooking, and make sure they are hot all the way through.

Is İvli köfte a healthy meal?

İvli köfte can be part of a balanced meal: it combines ground meat with bulgur, and the preparation method affects how rich it is. Pairing a moderate serving with vegetables or salad makes for a more balanced plate.

İvli köfte Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.84µg · 35% DV

B3

2.52mg · 16% DV

B5

0.54mg · 11% DV

Biotin

3µg · 10% DV

Minerals

Sodium

456mg · 20% DV

Phosphorus

114mg · 16% DV

Selenium

8.4µg · 15% DV

Zinc

1.32mg · 12% DV

Potassium ⭐

252mg · 7% DV

İvli köfte Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

55
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

12
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off İvli köfte

To burn the 216 calories in 3 piece (medium) (120 g):

🚶

53min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

22min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

25min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is İvli köfte?

İvli köfte is a traditional Turkish meatball made with bulgur and ground meat. The bulgur gives it a heartier, grain-flecked texture than a meat-only meatball, while the meat makes it filling enough to serve as part of a main meal. It belongs to the broad tradition of Turkish home-style köfte, with recipes and shapes varying from kitchen to kitchen.

Serve it warm with salad, yogurt or ayran for a straightforward lunch or dinner. At 10 g of protein and 18 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, it combines meat with a substantial bulgur component. For a lighter plate, pair it with plenty of fresh vegetables and choose a preparation that uses less added oil.

How Nutritious Is İvli köfte?

Nutrient density

Medium

45/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

48/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is İvli köfte Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does İvli köfte Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is İvli köfte Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

İvli köfte Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.12g

MONOUNSATURATED

3g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.48g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.9:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.9:1).

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🍳

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95 kcal

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.