Eyeball Meatballs
Eyeball meatballs are a playful and slightly grotesque twist on classic meatballs, perfect for Halloween or adding a fun element to dinner. They feature a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior, resembling eerie eyeballs. The dish involves mixing ground meat with herbs, shaping into rounds, browning, and simmering in flavorful broth or sauce.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or pork or veal) a mix for flavor, or lean beef for less fat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko for a lighter texture
- 1 egg binds the mixture together
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley fresh preferred
- 2 tbsp olive oil for frying
- 1 cup chicken broth or marinara sauce for simmering
- to taste salt and pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting to keep everything organized and smooth sailing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs, an egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but avoid overworking to keep the meat tender.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, round meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Try to make them uniform for even cooking and a consistent spooky look.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant. Place the meatballs carefully into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd, and brown them evenly on all sides until deep golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the broth or marinara sauce. Gently spoon some over the meatballs to keep them moist and flavorful, then cover the skillet.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The outside should be crispy, and the inside juicy and firm.
- Check the internal temperature with a thermometer—aim for 160°F (71°C)—to ensure they are perfectly cooked. Serve hot, with a spooky presentation if desired, to delight your guests!
Notes
For an extra spooky effect, insert a small piece of mozzarella or olive in the center to resemble an eyeball's pupil. Be sure to serve with plenty of sauce for dipping!