Juicy Middle-Eastern Meatballs
Bursting with flavour, these juicy meatballs come together in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl, food processor, saucepan, pot
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 250 g minced beef
- 1 slice stale bread
- ½ onion
- 1 –2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp milk or ½ beaten egg
- 1 tsp kofta seasoning
- ½ tsp mushroom powder optional but boosts umami
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil for pan-frying
Instructions
- Make the binder: In a blender, combine bread, onion, garlic, and milk (or egg). Blend into a smooth paste.
- Mix the meatballs: In a bowl, combine minced beef, the paste, kofta seasoning, mushroom powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
- Shape: Roll into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
- Cook: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- I serve this with a simple tomato sauce, to which I add baked beans for extra protein. Enjoy!!
Notes
Juicy Middle Eastern–Inspired Beef Meatballs - Quick FAQ
1. What makes these meatballs so juicy?
The secret is the onion–bread–milk paste. It traps moisture inside the meat, keeping every bite tender instead of dry.
2. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes — any plain bread works. Stale bread absorbs liquid better, but fresh bread softens quickly and gives the same result.
3. What can I substitute for kofta seasoning?
Use a mix of:
Cumin
Coriander
Paprika
Cinnamon (a pinch)
Black pepper
You don’t need exact ratios — just season to taste.
4. Do I need mushroom powder?
No, it’s optional. It simply boosts the umami. You can swap with:
A dash of soy sauce
Beef stock powder
A sprinkle of Parmesan
5. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to:
Blend the onion-bread paste until smooth
Mix thoroughly
Roll firmly
Chill 10 minutes before frying (optional but helpful)
6. How long do the meatballs take to cook?
Around 8–10 minutes pan-fried on medium heat. They should be browned outside and cooked through inside.
7. Can I air-fry or bake the meatballs instead?
Yes!
Air-fry: 180°C for 10–12 minutes
Bake: 200°C for 12–15 minutes
Flip halfway for even browning.
8. What can I serve these meatballs with?
They’re incredibly versatile. Try:
Tomato sauce + baked beans (your OG combo!)
Pasta
Flatbreads and hummus
Rice pilaf
Salad bowls
9. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after cooking.
Raw: freeze on a tray, then bag
Cooked: cool completely, then freeze
They keep well for up to 3 months.