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Meatballs with Tahini Sauce

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Photo by Chelsie Craig, Styling by Molly Baz

For this meatballs recipe, be sure to roll the meatballs firmly into the millet so that the tiny grains don’t fall off during frying.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

½

cup millet

1

lb. ground beef chuck (20% fat)

5

garlic cloves, finely grated

1

tsp. ground coriander

1

tsp. freshly ground black pepper

tsp. kosher salt, plus more

Sauce and Assembly

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 9 cups)

½

cup tahini

1

garlic clove, finely grated

3

Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Special Equipment

Preparation

  1. Meatballs

    Step 1

    Cook millet in a dry medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, mix beef, garlic, coriander, pepper, and 1½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl with your hands just to combine; be careful not to overwork.

    Step 3

    Working one at a time, roll meat mixture loosely between your palms into 1¾" balls (you should have about 18) and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roll each ball in toasted millet, pressing and packing firmly into meat with your palms. Repeat process as needed until completely coated. Chill meatballs at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours (this will help the millet adhere during frying).

  2. Sauce and Assembly

    Step 4

    Pour oil into a large heavy pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to come 1½" up sides; heat over medium until thermometer hits 350°.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, combine tahini and garlic in a medium bowl. Gradually add 6 Tbsp. water, then lemon juice, whisking constantly until sauce is smooth and pourable. Season with salt.

    Step 6

    Using a slotted spoon, gently lower meatballs into oil and fry undisturbed 2½ minutes (millet will be light golden). Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels; season lightly with salt. Serve meatballs with tahini sauce.

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