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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!
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
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.
To start, place all ingredients except butter & vegetable oil in a bowl.
Mix well.
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.
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.
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!
Cook the meatballs for about 6 minutes, turning often to ensure a good sear on all sides.
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.
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.
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 with Lemon & Cilantro
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 1 lb minced lamb
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh pressed, ½ lemon = about 2 Tbsp
- ⅔ 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
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
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Angie
These meatballs look amazing! So fresh and delicious. They would be great with some spaghetti squash!
Emmeline
Thank you Angie! They sure would - great idea!
Ellie Plummer
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
Emmeline
Hope you try it, Elie! Thank you so much for commenting!
Miljana
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! 🙂
Emmeline
Thank you so much for your comment, Miljana!
Sincerely Miss J
This recipe sounds like a good one. Great tip on testing the seasoning by making a test patty.
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting! Yep, that's the secret to a great meatball 😉
Christa
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!
Emmeline
That sounds like a great ida, Christa! Thank you so much for commenting!
Preet
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!
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting, Preet!
Clare Minall
I love this recipe so much! Every single ingredient sounds amazing, I’ll definitely be adding this to my list of things to try!
Emmeline
Thank yu so much Clare!
Alexandra Cook
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.
Emmeline
Thank you so much Alexandra! I really hope you try it!
Heather Barber McMechan
Oh wow! Our girls are a bit picky, but I can try and make some alterations to this recipe.
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting, Heather!
Dana Brillante-Peller
We love meatballs around here, and this lamb version is going to be a hit -- I can feel it! It looks delicious, too.
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting, Dana! I'm sure you're gonna love it!
Lisa Rios
This looks very creative! I love putting cilantro on everything.
Emmeline
Thank you so much Lisa!
Surekha Busa
Wow.. This recipe is so interesting. I really love eating lambs and this recipe is really a must try
Emmeline
Thank you so much! Hope you try it!
Kalyan Panja
Looks like a nice and easy recipe to satisfy guests and friends. Thanks for sharing
Emmeline
Thank you so much for commenting!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
That looks so good! I can't remember the last time we had lamb at home. Maybe I should give this recipe a try. 🙂
Emmeline
Thank you! I think you'll love it! 😀
Geraline Batarra
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.
Emmeline
Thank you so much Geraline! Now's the time to try then! 😀
Ironside
Huuum seems delicious, thanks for this awesome recipe!!
Emmeline
You are very welcome! Hope you like it!
Britney
Myself and two kids are vegan, but I wonder if my husband could make these using turkey?
Emmeline
Turkey would probably be delicious as well, goes great with the flavors!
Michael
Its looking great. I want to try it badly.. I would suggest cooking it more though as I like crispy foods.
Emmeline
Thank you Michael! Yeah you could sear them harder if you want - just be careful they don't get too dry!
FloArtStudio
These look really good, great recipe! I try to avoid eating lamb though.
Emmeline
Thank you!
Kimberley
I love it. So straight forward and easy to make. Wonderful work and I will e trying this soon.
Emmeline
Thank you Kimberley!
Tammie
We're usually not big fans of lamb in my house, but these sound delicious!
Emmeline
Thank you Tammie!
Roksa
Such a great recipe, I loved it – thank you!
Emmeline
Thank you so much!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
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.
Emmeline
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!
Mahy Elamin
What beautiful meatballs, your photos look gorgeous! I bet they would be an awesome appetiser 😀
Emmeline
Thank you so much Mahy!
Claudia Lamascolo
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
Emmeline
Oh no I'm so sorry! Let me know when you find some! 😀
Marianne
Sounds yummy! My favorite way to cook lamb is a simple rack of chops seasoned with lots of garlic!
Emmeline
Oh that one I love as well!!