Creating flavorful and succulent meatballs requires a balance of ingredients that contribute to both the taste and texture of the dish. Here’s a versatile recipe for making meatballs that can be adapted to various cuisines by tweaking the spices and herbs. This basic recipe serves as a foundation for Italian, Swedish, or even Asian-style meatballs, depending on your preferences and the accompanying sauce.
Basic Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for Italian-style)
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional for Italian-style)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for Swedish-style)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for Asian-style)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional for Asian-style)