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Rice Meatballs Recipe

4.7 from 58 reviews

This Rice Meatball recipe combines ground beef, aromatic spices, and tender rice to create flavorful, satisfying meatballs. Boiled rice is mixed with half-cooked ground beef before being combined with raw beef and seasonings, then shaped into meatballs and fried to golden perfection. The method ensures a tender inside with a crispy outer layer, making these meatballs a hearty and delicious main dish suitable for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500 gr. (18 oz. / 1.1 lb.) ground beef
  • 1 big onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 tbsp. parsley, finely chopped
  • 5 tbsp. baldo rice
  • 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • Breadcrumbs or flour (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Boil Rice: Wash the 5 tablespoons of baldo rice thoroughly and boil it in half a cup of water until cooked. Set aside to cool.
  2. Sauté Half Ground Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan. Add 250 grams (9 oz.) of the ground beef and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the meat starts to change color.
  3. Add Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the beef and sauté for an additional 10 minutes until the onion softens and the beef is partially cooked. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Combine Rice and Beef: Transfer the boiled rice and sautéed ground beef mixture into a medium-sized bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Once cooled, add the remaining 250 grams (9 oz.) of raw ground beef, black pepper, ground red pepper, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, salt, and finely chopped parsley to the bowl. Knead the mixture thoroughly for 5 to 6 minutes to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Shape Meatballs and Rest: Form the mixture into palm-sized meatballs. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Prepare for Frying: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Dip each meatball first into breadcrumbs or flour, then into beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
  8. Fry Meatballs: Fry the coated meatballs in hot oil for 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

Notes

  • Baldo rice is a type of short-grain rice; if unavailable, use sushi rice or another short-grain variety for similar texture.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
  • If you prefer, meatballs can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
  • Chilling the meatball mixture helps them hold their shape better during frying.
  • Use fresh parsley for vibrant flavor; dried can be substituted but reduce quantity.

Keywords: rice meatballs, ground beef meatballs, fried meatballs, Middle Eastern meatballs, spicy meatballs