You can pack a surprising amount of flavor into pork meatballs, proving that lean meat doesn\u2019t have to be a compromise on taste. The secret for this pork meatballs recipe is simmering the meatballs in a beefy but light broth to keep the meat moist and sweet. Adding grated Italian cheese is the master stroke. Grated Romano or Parmesan really fills out the flavor, adding depth and a pleasant umami finish.<\/p>\n
Pork meatballs are a prime contender if you\u2019re looking for make-ahead meal prep ideas<\/a>. You can prepare a batch, then freeze and thaw as needed, making this quick pork meatballs recipe the start of a wide variety of possible spin-off dishes.<\/p>\n
In a bowl, combine the egg, crumbled bread, minced garlic, cheese, salt, parsley and pepper. Crumble the ground pork over the mixture and work it lightly but thoroughly so that the herbs and bread are fully integrated but the texture is still chunky. Shape the mixture into ten 2-inch meatballs.<\/p>\n
In a saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil and place the meatballs inside. Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn the meatballs, continuing to simmer until they’re cooked through, about 15 minutes more, turning occasionally. Remove them from the broth with a slotted spoon, and sprinkle with grated cheese and parsley before serving.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> Moisten your hands with oil or water to stop them from becoming sticky when you form the meatballs. You could also shape the balls with two spoons, although this requires some extra dexterity.<\/p>\n
You can refrigerate pork meatballs in an airtight container for three to four days, but allow the meat to cool first. If you\u2019re keeping the broth, store that in a separate container.<\/p>\n
Pork freezes well both raw and cooked, in the sense that the flavor or texture isn’t affected. To stop cooked meatballs from forming a solid mass of icy fused pork in the freezer, allow the balls to cool, place them on a tray, then freeze them for an hour or so until they are firm. Once they’re hard, pack them in an airtight container and return them to the freezer for up to three months.<\/p>\n
This is another of those pork freezer meals<\/a> to keep on standby to bail you out of a weeknight fix. Prepare the meatball mix, shape them, then follow the above step for firming up the meatballs first on a tray to prevent sticking. Once you\u2019re ready, allow the pork to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then simmer the meatballs in the broth to a safe internal temperature of 160\u00b0F.<\/p>\n
These meatballs are small and delicate enough to serve as an appetizer with your dip of choice. Explore our rundown of Asian sauces<\/a> for further inspiration. Alternatively, you can serve pork meatballs as a main course on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, with sticky rice or with noodles.<\/p>\n
Ground pork can turn tough and rubbery if you overcook it, even in broth, or dry and tasteless from the lack of fat. You can help it along by adding extra fat to emulsify the meatball mixture\u2014butter, oil or mayonnaise will do\u2014and reduce the proportion of bread if your first attempt is too dry.<\/p>\n
Finish the cooked meatballs in a marinara sauce to fill a classic Italian sub, or slather them in a honey and garlic sauce sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds as an appetizer. You could also try your hand at Swedish meatballs<\/a>, which use a beef\/pork mix served in a velvety, creamy gravy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"