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    Home » Healthy delicious dishes

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 28, 2019, updated May 1, 2023 - 52 Comments

    Total time: 25 minutes minutes
    Prep time: 5 minutes minutes
    5 from 15 votes
    Jump to Recipe

    Quick and Easy to make and full of delicious Lemon & Cilantro flavor these Lamb Meatballs work just as well next to a pile of indulgent mashed potatoes as they do as an appetizer or as part of a buffet. A staple in my home, I've made these little gems since I learned how to cook - and they never fail to satisfy.

    Lighter than both pork and beef, lamb is one of those meats so many people shy away from. If you're one of those - this recipe is where to start!

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    lamb meatballs on a plate

    One of my favorite things about this blog is that I get to share some of my childhood favorites with you. After my favorite fish dish (going on 25+ years in that position now!), the scones I've made forever and Quesadillas featuring Mom's famous enchilada chicken the time has come for me to share these delicious Lamb Meatballs my Mom used to make.

    Or, well, she made them as lamb patties but I really like the whole meatball esthetic waaay better so my version is a meatball. Same yummy flavors as I remember from my childhood, though!

    How to make Lamb Meatballs

    Making lamb meatballs is quick and easy - not to mention delicious! If you haven't tried it yet - now's the time.

    ingredients for lamb meatballs

    To start, place all ingredients except butter & vegetable oil in a bowl.

    ingredients for lamb meatbals mixed together

    Mix well.

    a test patty for lamb meatballs

    Now the trick to making perfectly seasoned meatballs: starting out with a test patty, before making all the meatballs.

    Heat some oil & butter in a frying pan, cook your test patty - taste test, and adjust seasoning if needed.

    lamb meatballs before cooking

    Once you're satisfied with the taste, go ahead and roll all the meatballs. I like to keep them kinda small, but you do you.

    Depending on what size you make them you might need to adjust the cooking time though, so just keep that in mind.

    lamb meatballs in a frying pan

    Time to cook your meatballs!

    Don't overcrowd your frying pan - I usually cook about 15-20 meatballs at once in a regular-sized frying pan. So that's two batches for this recipe!

    And as always - cast iron will make it all the yummier, but non-stick is easier and demands less fat. Choose accordingly!

    fried lamb meatballs

    Cook the meatballs for about 6 minutes, turning often to ensure a good sear on all sides.

    a lamb meatball broken in two

    The meatballs are finished when they have a good sear and an even, white-ish color inside. It's generally OK to eat pink lamb (but please ensure your particular meat is safe!), but I just like these meatballs better cooked all the way through.

    How to serve lamb meatballs

    Now there are so may ways you can serve these meatballs. For one, they're delicious on their own. As a snack, an appetizer or as part of a buffet spread.

    If you wish to make them into more of a meal, the lightness and lemony flavors of these meatballs will go great with lighter options like salads or a nice Moroccan couscous.

    My personal favorite, however, is to have them with a big, hearty helping of mashed potatoes. The freshness of the lemon & cilantro goes so well with the dense & fat rich mashed potatoes, and together they create a deliciously balanced meal.

    closeup of lamb meatballs

    What sauce for lamb meatballs

    Now I must confess, I usually don't have any sauce with these meatballs. If I do, it's generally just the drippings left in the pan that I pour over just before serving.

    But I know, sometimes you just crave some sauce!

    Now there are two ways to go for sauce here, as I see it - either you beef up the pan drippings with some wine and maybe even a hint of flour, or you go the yogurt route. It doesn't need much - a simple Turkish yogurt seasoned with salt, and maybe some olive oil, will go perfectly with the lamb.

    What wine for lamb meatballs

    Now let's talk wine! Lamb is such a delicate meat compared to beef or pork, and while I still enjoy most lamb recipes with a heavy red - this one calls for something slightly different.

    Think light, think fruity, think young! I'm not a big Beaujolais fan, but this is one of few dishes I can really see it working well with. Sound a bit scary? Yeah, I hear you. Then go safe with the Pinot Noir route - and look for fruity tones rather than spicy.

    top view of lamb meatballs and two lemons

    And that's really all there is to it! Easy peasy, right?! Do you make a lot of lamb? If so - what's your favorite way to cook it? If not - why not?!

    Recipe

    lamb meatballs on a plate

    Lamb Meatballs with Lemon & Cilantro

    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: European
    Servings: 35 meatballs
    Calories: 50kcal
    Prep time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook time: 20 minutes mins
    Total time: 25 minutes minutes
    Author: Emmeline Kemperyd
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb minced lamb
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh pressed, ½ lemon = about 2 Tbsp
    • â…” cup fresh cilantro chopped, loosely packed
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ tablespoon butter
    • ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Mix together all ingredients except butter & vegetable oil.
    • Heat butter and vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Make one small test patty and fry in the pan. Taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed.
    • Once satisfied with the seasoning, make the meatballs. Try to make them as even in size as possible for easier frying.
    • Fry the meatballs in two batches for about 6 minutes. Turn often to ensure a good sear on all sides. The meatballs are finished when they have a good sear and an even white color inside.
    • Serve with mashed potatoes or another side of your choice, or serve as an appetizer or as part of a buffet spread.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 56mg | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.

    Did you make this? Tag me today!Tag @alwaysusebutter and use the hashtag #alwaysusebutter!

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angie

      March 14, 2019 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      These meatballs look amazing! So fresh and delicious. They would be great with some spaghetti squash!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 15, 2019 at 10:59 pm

        Thank you Angie! They sure would - great idea!

        Reply
    2. Ellie Plummer

      March 14, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      I've never tried lamb before but I'm really into cooking at the moment so may give this a go as it sounds delicious

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:16 pm

        Hope you try it, Elie! Thank you so much for commenting!

        Reply
    3. Miljana

      March 14, 2019 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      Love it! Healthy & delicious! Plus my toddler really enjoys meatballs. I am so glad I popped onto this gorgeous website + I found a lunch idea! 🙂

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:16 pm

        Thank you so much for your comment, Miljana!

        Reply
    4. Sincerely Miss J

      March 13, 2019 at 4:01 am

      This recipe sounds like a good one. Great tip on testing the seasoning by making a test patty.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:21 pm

        Thank you so much for commenting! Yep, that's the secret to a great meatball 😉

        Reply
    5. Christa

      March 13, 2019 at 3:52 am

      Lamb is my husband’s absolute favorite! I’ll have to make these for him as a surprise. I usually don’t make lamb at home. He’ll love it!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

        That sounds like a great ida, Christa! Thank you so much for commenting!

        Reply
    6. Preet

      March 13, 2019 at 3:20 am

      Thank you for sharing this recipe- I adore lamb meatballs but have never tried to make it myself. I will now, seems more simple than I thought and how stunning is yours!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

        Thank you so much for commenting, Preet!

        Reply
    7. Clare Minall

      March 13, 2019 at 3:19 am

      I love this recipe so much! Every single ingredient sounds amazing, I’ll definitely be adding this to my list of things to try!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

        Thank yu so much Clare!

        Reply
    8. Alexandra Cook

      March 13, 2019 at 3:18 am

      I must try this recipe. It so delicious and look so easy to make and I am sure my husband and my kids will give me a warmer hug because of this.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:23 pm

        Thank you so much Alexandra! I really hope you try it!

        Reply
    9. Heather Barber McMechan

      March 13, 2019 at 1:33 am

      Oh wow! Our girls are a bit picky, but I can try and make some alterations to this recipe.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        Thank you so much for commenting, Heather!

        Reply
    10. Dana Brillante-Peller

      March 13, 2019 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      We love meatballs around here, and this lamb version is going to be a hit -- I can feel it! It looks delicious, too.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        Thank you so much for commenting, Dana! I'm sure you're gonna love it!

        Reply
    11. Lisa Rios

      March 12, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      This looks very creative! I love putting cilantro on everything.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:26 pm

        Thank you so much Lisa!

        Reply
    12. Surekha Busa

      March 12, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Wow.. This recipe is so interesting. I really love eating lambs and this recipe is really a must try

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:30 pm

        Thank you so much! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    13. Kalyan Panja

      March 12, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      Looks like a nice and easy recipe to satisfy guests and friends. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:30 pm

        Thank you so much for commenting!

        Reply
    14. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo

      March 12, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      That looks so good! I can't remember the last time we had lamb at home. Maybe I should give this recipe a try. 🙂

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:31 pm

        Thank you! I think you'll love it! 😀

        Reply
    15. Geraline Batarra

      March 12, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, these meatballs are perfectly cooked. I haven't ever tried cooking lamb in my life. This meatball recipe seems perfect for my first try.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 18, 2019 at 6:32 pm

        Thank you so much Geraline! Now's the time to try then! 😀

        Reply
    16. Ironside

      March 12, 2019 at 11:11 am

      Huuum seems delicious, thanks for this awesome recipe!!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:24 am

        You are very welcome! Hope you like it!

        Reply
    17. Britney

      March 12, 2019 at 5:32 am

      Myself and two kids are vegan, but I wonder if my husband could make these using turkey?

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:38 am

        Turkey would probably be delicious as well, goes great with the flavors!

        Reply
    18. Michael

      March 12, 2019 at 4:51 am

      Its looking great. I want to try it badly.. I would suggest cooking it more though as I like crispy foods.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:39 am

        Thank you Michael! Yeah you could sear them harder if you want - just be careful they don't get too dry!

        Reply
    19. FloArtStudio

      March 12, 2019 at 2:37 am

      These look really good, great recipe! I try to avoid eating lamb though.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:40 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    20. Kimberley

      March 11, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love it. So straight forward and easy to make. Wonderful work and I will e trying this soon.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

        Thank you Kimberley!

        Reply
    21. Tammie

      March 11, 2019 at 6:40 pm

      We're usually not big fans of lamb in my house, but these sound delicious!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

        Thank you Tammie!

        Reply
    22. Roksa

      March 03, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      Such a great recipe, I loved it – thank you!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 04, 2019 at 2:27 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    23. Kylee from Kylee Cooks

      March 02, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE the tip about making a test patty so you can taste your seasoning levels. That is such a great idea! I love lamb, and this is such a wonderful flavor combination.

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 04, 2019 at 1:18 pm

        Thank you Kylee!! Yeah, I think my Dad thought me that when I was a kid and it's such an easy way to make sure it's on point!

        Reply
    24. Mahy Elamin

      March 02, 2019 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      What beautiful meatballs, your photos look gorgeous! I bet they would be an awesome appetiser 😀

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 04, 2019 at 1:18 pm

        Thank you so much Mahy!

        Reply
    25. Claudia Lamascolo

      March 01, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      We love lamb and I hardly ever make it because we never can find it here in Florida. I must try these meatballs I am sure everyone will go crazy over them soon as I can get the ground lamb! thanks

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 04, 2019 at 1:19 pm

        Oh no I'm so sorry! Let me know when you find some! 😀

        Reply
    26. Marianne

      March 01, 2019 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      Sounds yummy! My favorite way to cook lamb is a simple rack of chops seasoned with lots of garlic!

      Reply
      • Emmeline

        March 04, 2019 at 2:24 pm

        Oh that one I love as well!!

        Reply
    5 from 15 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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