Description
These Greek meatballs are the perfect combination of tender and moist on the inside, with a golden, crisp exterior and a bold, zesty flavor. They’re packed with aromatic herbs and spices, making them a delicious addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, in pita bread with tzatziki, or alongside a fresh salad, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb or beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil, for frying or brushing
Instructions
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Forming the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should get around 15-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Cooking Methods:
- Pan Frying: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Oven Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meatballs onto skewers. Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Resting: After cooking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them moist.
Notes
- Mixing: Be sure not to overmix the ingredients to avoid tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Serving Ideas: Serve these meatballs with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or alongside a Greek salad for a full meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them until ready to cook, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: greek