Lemon Meatballs with Orange Citrus Sauce Recipe
These Lemon Meatballs combine tender chicken meatballs with a tangy orange and lemon sauce, creating a flavorful dish perfect for a light and zesty meal. The combination of fresh herbs, brandy, and citrus juices offers a unique and refreshing twist to traditional meatballs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 300g minced chicken (or pork)
- 150g potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parsley, to taste, finely chopped
- Mint, to taste, finely chopped
- Flour, as needed for coating
- 25g butter
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed for frying
- 15ml brandy
For the Orange Sauce:
- 50ml orange juice
- 20ml lemon juice
- 30ml water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (maizena)
- Salt, to taste
- 15g butter
- 15ml brandy
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine minced chicken (or pork), boiled and mashed potatoes, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and mint. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small, evenly sized balls. Lightly coat each meatball with flour to help with browning.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a mixture of butter and extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. During the last minutes of cooking, add 15ml brandy to the pan to deglaze and infuse flavor. Remove meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In the same pan, add orange juice, lemon juice, water, salt, and cornstarch. Stir well to combine and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 15g butter and 15ml brandy, allowing the sauce to melt and integrate completely.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the sauce, gently coating them in the citrus sauce. Cook together for another 2 minutes to ensure flavors meld. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using minced chicken or pork can alter the flavor slightly; chicken gives a lighter taste while pork makes it richer.
- Boiling and mashing potatoes help keep the meatballs tender and moist.
- The brandy adds depth and a subtle warmth to both the meatballs and sauce; it can be omitted if desired.
- Serve these meatballs with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to overcook the meatballs to keep them juicy and tender.
Keywords: lemon meatballs, chicken meatballs, citrus sauce, orange sauce, Mediterranean recipe, easy meatballs