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Meatballs In Lemon Sauce

Juicy Meatballs In Lemon Sauce You'll Crave Again and Again

Savor these irresistible meatballs in lemon sauce, a comforting dish bursting with flavor and quick to prepare.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Provides fat for cooking, enhances flavor; substitute with vegetable oil if desired.
  • 200 grams Ground Pork Adds moisture and flavor; can replace with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 400 grams Lean Ground Beef Serves as the main protein; alternate with ground lamb for a traditional twist.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together; for an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
  • 100 grams Crustless Bread Contributes moisture; use gluten-free bread if necessary.
  • 125 ml White Wine Soaks the bread for added flavor; substitutions include vegetable or chicken broth for non-alcoholic.
  • 100 grams Onion Adds sweetness and texture; shallots can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for the best aroma.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin Provides warmth; could be replaced with coriander for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Imparts a classic Greek flavor; use fresh oregano if available (3 teaspoons).
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley Adds freshness; omit for a more straightforward flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Pepper Offers a bit of heat; use freshly ground for best results.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Creates the base for the sauce; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; for gluten-free, cornstarch can be used.
  • 2 cups Hot Water or Stock Forms the sauce foundation; any flavored stock will work.
  • 8-10 tablespoons Lemon Juice Gives the sauce its signature tang; adjust according to personal preference.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • sauté pan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by tearing the crustless bread into small pieces and placing them in a bowl. Pour the white wine over the bread, ensuring it's evenly soaked. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, lean ground beef, egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, minced onion, and garlic. Add the soaked bread mixture along with sea salt and ground pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Dampen your hands and shape the mixture into oval-shaped meatballs, about the size of a large egg. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gently place the meatballs in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then turn to the other side for another 4 minutes. Remove and drain excess oil.
  6. In a separate sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the hot water or stock and lemon juice, stirring continuously.
  7. Once the sauce is simmering, add the seared meatballs back into the pan. Cover and let them simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat, turning occasionally.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve garnished with fresh oregano and cracked pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure the bread is soaked just enough to absorb the wine without turning mushy and adjust the lemon juice and seasoning in the sauce incrementally.

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