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Meatballs In Lemon Sauce

Meatballs in Lemon Sauce: A Zesty Greek Comfort Dish

Delicious Meatballs in Lemon Sauce bring Greek flavors to your table in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use for frying the meatballs and adding flavor.
  • 250 grams Ground Pork Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • 250 grams Lean Ground Beef Feel free to use ground lamb for a different taste profile.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the meat mixture; a flax egg serves as a vegan alternative.
  • 1 slice Crustless Bread Offers moisture and structure; breadcrumbs or gluten-free bread are great substitutes.
  • 50 milliliters White Wine Helps to soak bread for flavor; substitute with milk for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 1 medium Minced Onion Shallots work if onions are unavailable.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Optionally replace with coriander for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Traditional Greek herb that enhances flavor; fresh oregano can elevate the taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Adjust to personal preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Pepper Freshly ground is recommended for optimal flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Creates the creamy sauce base; vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • 500 milliliters Hot Water or Stock Chicken or vegetable stock will add more flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Adjust to taste, starting with less and adding more for desired sourness.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • Sauté pan
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Tongs

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Begin by soaking crustless bread in white wine for about 5 minutes, until it's soft and mushy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Once the bread is ready, add it to the mixture and mix everything together until fully combined, forming a cohesive meatball mixture.
  4. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into oval meatballs weighing approximately 65-70 grams—aim for about 15 meatballs total.
  5. Arrange them on a plate or tray and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in a generous amount of olive oil.
  7. Once the oil shimmers, place the meatballs in the skillet, frying them for about 4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
  8. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  9. In a separate sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat.
  10. Stir in flour, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until a smooth roux forms.
  11. Gradually whisk in hot water or stock with lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to thicken the sauce.
  12. Return the fried meatballs to the sauté pan with the lemon sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  13. Cover and let simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  14. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice to taste.
  15. Plate the meatballs, drizzling with lemon sauce and garnish with freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of oregano.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Refrigerate shaped meatballs for at least 1 hour before frying to help maintain their shape and prevent crumbling.

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