Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Istanbul with these mouthwatering Turkish Style Garlic Meatballs! If you're craving a dish that's packed with bold flavors, tender texture, and the irresistible aroma of garlic and spices, you've just hit the culinary jackpot. These meatballs aren't just a meal - they're a delicious journey through Turkish cuisine that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Also, have fresh parsley on hand for garnish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs. You can make them about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter, depending on your preference.
- Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a little oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink inside.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare a serving platter. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs onto the platter and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Chop some fresh parsley for garnish. Sprinkle the parsley over the meatballs just before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve the Turkish style garlic meatballs hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as rice, bulgur, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (around 15-20%) to ensure juicy, tender meatballs.
- Mixing Technique: When combining ingredients, mix gently and avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or weigh each meatball to ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
- Heat Control: Cook meatballs on medium heat to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Rest and Drain: Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of Aleppo pepper or sumac to your meat mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these meatballs with yogurt sauce, rice pilaf, or a fresh Mediterranean salad for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 107mg
