Craving a quick, mouth-watering meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Portugal? Look no further than these irresistible Piri Piri Pork Meatballs! Packed with bold, spicy flavors and incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a dish that's so delicious, your family and friends will think you've been secretly training with a Portuguese chef.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork
- 2 tablespoons piri piri sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, piri piri sauce, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped fresh coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the meat from sticking, and begin forming uniform meatballs approximately 4-5 cm in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a clean plate or cutting board.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating gently to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 71°C (160°F) for food safety.
- Remove meatballs from the pan and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped coriander and serve hot with a side of rice, salad, or your preferred accompaniment.
Tips
- Keep your hands wet with cold water when forming meatballs to prevent the meat from sticking and ensure smooth, uniform shapes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 71°C (160°F) ensures perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat meatballs.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking. This allows each meatball to brown evenly and develop a delicious golden crust.
- Let the meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices, keeping them tender and moist.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of extra piri piri sauce when serving or use it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Experiment with side dishes - these meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or even tucked into a warm pita bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
