Zesty Meatballs
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these irresistible Zesty Meatballs, a vibrant twist on a classic comfort food! This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and pork with a zesty citrus kick from fresh lemon zest and a luscious orange-honey glaze. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and just the right amount of heat from red chili flakes, these meatballs are seared to golden perfection before being bathed in a sweet and tangy glaze. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, these juicy meatballs are perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty main dish served over pasta, rice, or fresh greens. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a flavorful weeknight meal, these Zesty Meatballs are sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 100 grams breadcrumbs
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole zest of a lemon
- 15 grams parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50 milliliters orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing as it can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with about 18-20 meatballs.
Step 4
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 5
Sear the meatballs for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 6
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the freshly squeezed orange juice and honey. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a light glaze.
Step 7
Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the orange-honey glaze, ensuring they're fully coated.
Step 8
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 9
Serve the zesty meatballs warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy as an appetizer or pair with rice, pasta, or salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1074.2 grams (1074.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2857 |
| Total Fat 197.00g | 253% |
| Saturated Fat 72.10g | 360% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g | |
| Cholesterol 826mg | 275% |
| Sodium 5424mg | 236% |
| Total Carbohydrate 95.00g | 35% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.10g | 22% |
| Total Sugars 18.00g | |
| Protein 190.70g | 381% |
| Vitamin D 54IU | 269% |
| Calcium 802mg | 62% |
| Iron 17mg | 96% |
| Potassium 1553mg | 33% |
Source of Calories