Fragrant Basil Beef Meatballs
Make Your Home Party Special with These Aromatic Basil Beef Meatballs!
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for delightful beef meatballs perfect for any home party or special occasion. In honor of the Year of the White Ox in 2021, let’s make a magnificent beef dish to grace your table! These meatballs are packed with the fragrant aroma of basil and the rich flavor of cheese, making them a satisfying side dish or a star appetizer. Let’s roll them into perfect little spheres together!
Ingredients
- 600g ground beef
- 1 small carrot
- Generous amount of chopped green onion
- 1/2 onion
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 5 Tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let me introduce you to the ingredients needed to make these wonderful basil beef meatballs! Great ingredients are the foundation of delicious food.
Step 2
Let’s start by preparing the vegetables, which are key to making these large and delicious beef meatballs. Finely chop a generous amount of fresh green onion, and prepare half an onion and one small carrot after washing them thoroughly.
Step 3
Wash the prepared vegetables under cold running water and then mince them finely. It’s best to peel the carrot with a peeler before chopping. Even if your green onions were frozen, you can still use them by chopping them finely.
Step 4
Now, heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Be careful not to use heat that’s too high, as it can burn the vegetables.
Step 5
Add the minced carrot and onion to the pan and sauté them until the onion becomes translucent. This step is important for bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 6
Look at that beautiful vibrant orange carrot and translucent onion! It’s already looking appetizing.
Step 7
Sauté for about 5 minutes until the carrots are tender. Once cooked, transfer the sautéed vegetables to a separate bowl and let them cool completely. Mixing them while hot can cause the other ingredients to cook prematurely.
Step 8
Now, place the 600g of ground beef, the star of our meatballs, into a mixing bowl. I’m using pre-ground beef, but you can achieve an even better flavor by grinding fresh beef yourself.
Step 9
Add the finely chopped green onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the ground beef. These ingredients will help eliminate any gamey odor and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 10
Don’t forget to add one fresh egg and 2 tablespoons of dried basil. The aromatic basil will create a fantastic harmony with the beef.
Step 11
Now, add the cooled sautéed carrot and onion to the mixing bowl. Incorporating sautéed vegetables significantly improves the texture and flavor of the meatballs.
Step 12
To help the meatballs bind smoothly, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cooking wine. The 5 tablespoons of breadcrumbs will ensure the mixture holds its shape well, making it easier to form perfect spheres.
Step 13
Finally, season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper for basic seasoning. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 14
Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently knead the mixture with your hands until all ingredients are well combined. The fresh color of the beef suggests that these meatballs will be incredibly delicious!
Step 15
Shape the mixture into large, round meatballs, about the size of a baby’s fist. I made 11 meatballs from this batch, but you can adjust the size as you like.
Step 16
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil to coat the bottom. Carefully place all the perfectly rolled meatballs into the hot pan.
Step 17
Keep the heat at medium and gently roll the meatballs around to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. It’s important to cook them thoroughly without burning the exterior.
Step 18
To ensure the meatballs are cooked through to the center, cover the pan with a lid and let them cook for a few more minutes. This steaming effect will cook the sides evenly, resulting in moist and tender meatballs. Carefully remove the well-cooked meatballs from the pan.
Step 19
For the sauce, we’ll use a store-bought tomato sauce. Pour the tomato sauce into a pan and heat it until it simmers gently. If you’d like to add a unique twist, feel free to use cream sauce or your favorite sauce!
Step 20
Arrange the warm meatballs on a serving dish that evokes a festive home party atmosphere. Generously ladle the warm tomato sauce over the meatballs. Finish with a sprinkle of fragrant dried basil and savory grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect presentation!
Step 21
Your delicious basil beef meatballs, perfect as a side dish or a party centerpiece, are now ready!
Step 22
Look at that satisfyingly full interior! These juicy beef meatballs practically melt in your mouth. Their substantial size makes you feel like you’re eating a steak, which is quite enjoyable!
Step 23
These delectable meatballs are absolutely divine when paired with a crisp white wine! With just wine and meatballs, any gathering becomes truly spectacular.
Step 24
The basil and cheese flavors fill your mouth with every bite! These basil beef meatballs are incredibly delicious. They make a wonderful side dish for everyday meals, and they’re an excellent choice for home parties or housewarming gatherings, sure to impress your guests. Celebrate the Year of the White Ox in 2021 by creating a delicious meal with these round, flavorful beef meatballs!
