Maple pork meatballs
Savor the deliciousness of Maple Pork Meatballs! Made with ground pork, fresh orange zest, breadcrumbs, egg, and thyme, these flavorful meatballs are simmered in a mouthwatering sauce of orange juice, maple syrup, and vinegar. Paired with a bed of nutritious spinach, this dish is perfect for a delightful dinner that's both sweet and savory. Try this simple yet delightful recipe and bring a burst of fresh flavors to your table!
- 22 Apr 2025
- Cook time 10 min
- Prep time 20 min
- 4 Servings
- 11 Ingredients
Maple pork meatballs are a delicious and unique twist on traditional meatballs. By combining ground pork with the sweet flavors of maple syrup and the zestiness of orange, this dish offers a balance of savory and sweet that will please any palate. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, orange zest, bread crumbs, egg, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of a walnut. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and sear them until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the orange juice, maple syrup, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they're well-coated with the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky.
- In the last few minutes of baking, place the spinach in a large bowl. Remove the skillet from the oven, and carefully transfer the meatballs to the bowl of spinach. Pour any remaining sauce over the meatballs and spinach. The residual heat will slightly wilt the spinach.
- Toss everything gently to combine and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh thyme for the best flavor.
- Chill the mixture for about 15-20 minutes before forming the meatballs to make them easier to handle.
- When zesting the orange, be careful to only get the outer layer of the skin and avoid the bitter white pith.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs.
- Don't overcrowd the meatballs in the pan; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they brown evenly.
- After forming the meatballs, you can freeze them on a baking sheet to cook later. Just defrost before cooking.
These maple pork meatballs are a delightful blend of savory pork and sweet maple flavors that are sure to impress. Paired with fresh spinach, they make for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy them as a main dish or serve them as a tasty appetizer. Either way, they're bound to be a hit.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 260 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 460kcal | 23% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 36g | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 11g | 3% |
| Fiber 1.23g | 3% |
| Sugar 5g | 5% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 33g | 37% |
| Saturated 11g | 36% |
| Cholesterol 170mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 70ug | 8% |
| Choline 160mg | 29% |
| Vitamin B1 1.02mg | 85% |
| Vitamin B2 0.41mg | 31% |
| Vitamin B3 6mg | 37% |
| Vitamin B6 0.59mg | 35% |
| Vitamin B9 54ug | 14% |
| Vitamin B12 0.84ug | 35% |
| Vitamin C 24mg | 26% |
| Vitamin E 0.82mg | 5% |
| Vitamin K 70ug | 61% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 80mg | 6% |
| Copper, Cu 0.11mg | 12% |
| Iron, Fe 2.36mg | 21% |
| Magnesium, Mg 55mg | 13% |
| Phosphorus, P 340mg | 27% |
| Potassium, K 700mg | 21% |
| Selenium, Se 50ug | 92% |
| Sodium, Na 170mg | 11% |
| Zinc, Zn 4.43mg | 40% |
| Water | |
| Water 150g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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