These Greek meatballs are juicy and tender, with a golden, crispy exterior and a bold, zesty flavor. Whether pan-fried, oven-baked, or grilled on skewers, they’re a versatile option for delicious dinners all year long.
INGREDIENTS (ADJUSTABLE FOR SERVING SIZE)
- 1 pound ground pork (or 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
- 1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- 2. Forming the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, yielding approximately 15-20 meatballs.
- 3. 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 meatballs on the sheet and bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread meatballs onto skewers, brushing lightly with olive oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
NOTES
- Meat Choices: Pork creates juicy meatballs, but lamb offers a richer flavor, while beef provides a firmer texture. Experiment with your preferred option.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough meatballs. Mix only until combined.
- Size Consistency: For even cooking, use a cookie scoop to shape meatballs uniformly.
- Cooking to Perfection: Ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature: 160°F for pork and beef, 165°F for lamb.
- Resting: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping them moist.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 383 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 424mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 80 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 66mg
- Iron: 2mg
