Artis BBQ Wood-Fired BBQ Pork Meatballs
Ingredients:
500 g (1 lb) ground pork
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon mixed herbs (such as oregano and thyme)
1 tablespoon cumin
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Olive oil (for brushing)
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, cumin, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: With wet hands or using a scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Place them on a tray or plate.
3. Preheat the BBQ: Prepare your wood-fired BBQ to medium heat.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F).
5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the meatballs with BBQ sauce and allow them to caramelize slightly on the grill.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or over a bed of rice or pasta.
Hot Tips:
Chill the Mixture: After mixing the meatball ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through without drying out, use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to customise your meatball mixture by adding different spices or herbs, such as smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Baste with BBQ Sauce: For extra flavour and a sticky glaze, brush the meatballs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This allows the sauce to caramelize and enhances the overall taste.
