Deep Fried Meatballs

We’re excited to share a recipe close to our hearts and stomachs: deep-fried meatballs. These meatballs are not only tasty and juicy but also a big hit at any gathering; our guests always ask for seconds!

Choosing the Right Meat

In our recipe, we often use a blend of pork and beef. This combination brings out a nice balance in the meatballs, making them both juicy and full of flavor. But we understand everyone has their preferences. If you like, you can use just pork or just beef instead. Both options work well and bring their unique taste to the meatballs.

We usually use meat with about 20% fat because it adds flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy. However, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can definitely go for leaner cuts of meat. Remember that they might not be as juicy, but they’ll still taste great.

Ultimately, the type of meat you choose can change the character of the meatballs. Whether you stick with the classic pork and beef mix or go for something different, it’s all about what you enjoy.

Our Special Meat Mix

When we make meatballs, we like to add a personal touch with our blend of seasonings. It’s a straightforward mix but makes a difference in the flavor. Here’s the breakdown of our meat mix;

• Garlic powder: adds a nice, subtle flavor without being too overpowering. It’s a great way to get that garlic taste throughout the meatballs.
• Salt and pepper: salt is vital for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients, and the pepper adds just a little bit of heat and spice. We don’t go overboard with it, just enough to give a hint of warmth.
• Parsley: (and not just for color!) Parsley gives a fresh, herby taste that complements the other flavors. Plus, having a bit of green in your meatballs is always lovely!
• Parmesan cheese: It gives the meatballs a slightly cheesy flavor and a bit of richness. It’s not too strong but adds a lovely depth to the overall taste.
• Egg: The egg helps to bind everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart when you cook them. It’s a simple trick, but it’s effective.

Our seasoning adds flavor without overwhelming the taste of the meat, and it’s easy to put together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Frying the Meatballs

We fry our meatballs in sunflower oil because it doesn’t add any extra flavor to the meatballs and has a high smoke point. Canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are good alternatives. If you’re interested in what oils to use for frying, here’s a great blog post that breaks it down well.

For that extra crunch and beautiful golden color, we coat the meatballs in egg wash and breadcrumbs before frying them at 300°F for about 5 minutes. We check the oil temperature with a cooking thermometer to make this slightly easier. The important thing is that the meatballs should sizzle as soon as they touch the hot oil.

We fry our meatballs in a cast-iron skillet since this is generally our weapon of choice in the kitchen, but a deep fryer or a deep pot are great alternatives.

Meatball versatility

Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be made in several ways, depending on the cuisine, and we have plenty of ideas for you to try;

• Italian meatballs: Often made with beef and pork, seasoned with garlic, herbs like basil and parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and typically served with marinara sauce and pasta.
• Swedish meatballs: Smaller in size, these are known for their rich, creamy gravy and are often made with a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice. They’re commonly served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
• Greek meatballs (Keftedes): Made with ground lamb or beef, these meatballs are flavored with mint, oregano, and garlic and are often served with tzatziki sauce.
• Turkish meatballs (Köfte): Typically made with ground lamb or beef, seasoned with onion, paprika, cumin, and parsley. They are often grilled and served with flatbread and yogurt.
• Vegetarian meatballs: Made with ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms for a meat-free alternative, often seasoned with various herbs and spices to mimic the flavors of traditional meatballs.
• American meatballs: Often larger, made with ground beef or a mix of meats and seasoned with garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. They can be served in various ways, including with barbecue or sweet and sour sauce.
• Moroccan meatballs (Kefta Mkaouara): Made with ground lamb or beef, mixed with cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, and often cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with eggs poached.

Sauces and dips

Thinking about what to serve with these beautiful, golden meatballs? Deep-fried meatballs pair so well with several sauces and dips. Here are some ideas of what to serve:

• Marinara sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce with garlic, herbs, and onions, perfect for a traditional pairing.
• BBQ sauce: For a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor, barbecue sauce can be a great choice, especially with beef meatballs.
• Tzatziki sauce: This Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the hot meatballs.
• Sweet and sour sauce: A mix of sweetness and tanginess, this sauce can add an Asian flair to your meatballs.
• Creamy mushroom sauce: A rich and savory option, great for adding a bit of elegance to your meatball dish.
• Swedish gravy: Typically served with Swedish meatballs, this creamy, beef broth-based gravy often includes a touch of sour cream for richness.
• Spicy arrabbiata sauce: This spicy Italian tomato sauce can be an excellent addition for those who like a bit of heat.
• Honey mustard dip: A combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard, this sauce can provide a delightful balance of flavors.
• Pesto sauce: Made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto can add a fresh and herby flavor. Try our Pesto Aioli recipe as an adventurous dipping sauce for your meatballs.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Offers a sweet yet spicy kick, perfect for a fusion twist on traditional meatballs.