Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian-inspired pork meatballs with the peppery freshness of arugula and the bright zest of lemon. This mouthwatering recipe transforms ordinary ground pork into a gourmet dish that's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress both family and dinner guests. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a meal that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, but can be effortlessly prepared in the comfort of your own home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield about 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating to ensure even browning and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare the lemon zest and juice. Grate the lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice.
- Once meatballs are fully cooked, remove from skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange fresh arugula on a serving platter, place cooked meatballs on top of the arugula.
- Sprinkle lemon zest over the meatballs and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. The heat from the meatballs will slightly wilt the arugula.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Mix the meat mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender - overmixing can make them tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before mixing them into the meat.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- The lemon zest and juice are key to bringing freshness to the dish - don't skip this step!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
