Why you should make meatballs on skewers
Preparing meatballs on skewers is a very versatile way to serve dinner that is popular with both adults and children. They cook quickly and stay moist because of the breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture. You can easily double the batch if you are hosting a party or cooking for a large family. It is a great way to serve mince in a different way than usual.
Step by step: meatballs on skewers
Mix the meat: Place the minced beef in a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Shape the balls: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into even balls. Aim for about 12 to 16 balls in total. Make sure they are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Assemble the skewers: Thread the meatballs onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Place about 3 or 4 meatballs on each stick.
Cook the meat: Heat a large frying pan with a little oil over medium heat. Place the skewers in the pan and cook for about 12 minutes. Turn them frequently to ensure they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
Tips to make meatballs on skewers even better
Your meatballs on skewers turn out best when the meat is not overmixed. If you handle the mince too much, the texture can become tough. You can add herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavour if you prefer. Using wet hands while rolling the balls will stop the meat from sticking to your skin.
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can assemble the skewers and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. This can help the meat hold its shape better during cooking. Always check that the meat is no longer pink in the middle before serving.
You might also enjoy
fishcakes with salmon and cod,
tuna salad for sandwiches or
ice cream cake.
