If you’ve been searching for a dish that captures the heart of Greek cooking with a burst of citrusy brightness, you’re in for a treat with this Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a silky lemon-infused sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s comforting yet refreshingly vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings a sunny Greek table right to your kitchen, inviting you to savor every bite and share the love.

This image shows a close-up of a pan filled with about twelve browned meat patties in a thick, creamy yellow-brown sauce with visible black pepper specks. The patties are round and uneven in shape, with a crispy, browned surface texture on top, sitting in a smooth sauce that lightly covers their sides. There is a silver spoon resting in the sauce toward the right side, partially submerged, and the surface under the pan is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing their unique part to the dish’s texture, aroma, and taste. From fragrant herbs to the zesty punch of fresh lemon juice, these essentials come together effortlessly.

Olive oil: Perfect for searing the meatballs and enriching the sauce with its fruity flavor.
200 grams ground pork: Adds juiciness and depth to the meatball mixture.
400 grams lean ground beef: Provides structure and richness.
1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients for perfectly shaped meatballs.
100 grams crustless bread: Soaked in white wine to keep meatballs tender and moist.
125 ml white wine: Adds subtle acidity and aroma to soften the bread and flavor the meatballs.
100 grams minced onion: Delivers a mild sweetness and depth.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the meatballs with warm, savory notes.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a hint of earthiness that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
1 teaspoon dried oregano (+ extra for serving): A classic herb that brightens the meat mixture and the sauce.
2 teaspoons dried or fresh minced parsley: Adds freshness and color.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (+ extra for the sauce): Essential for seasoning and balance.
½ teaspoon ground pepper (+ extra for the sauce): Brings gentle heat and complexity.
4 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for the lemon sauce.
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
2 cups hot water or stock: Forms the savory body of the lemon sauce.
8-10 tablespoons lemon juice: The star ingredient that lifts the entire dish with a bright, tangy finish.

How to Make Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Meat Mixture

Start by soaking the crustless bread in white wine, breaking it into smaller pieces and letting it absorb the liquid for a few minutes. This simple step ensures the meatballs stay moist without becoming dense. Next, combine the ground pork, beef, egg, minced onion, garlic, herbs, and spices in a bowl, adding the soaked bread last after crumbling it thoroughly into the mixture. Knead until everything is evenly blended – the aromas will already be tempting, trust me!

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 15 evenly sized oval meatballs, each about 65 to 70 grams. Placing them on a large plate, pop them into the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling is key here because it firms up the meatballs, helping them keep their shape during cooking and preventing any crumbly mishaps.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the pan and let them sear undisturbed for around 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Then, gently flip them with two forks to brown the other side. The caramelized exterior adds wonderful texture and flavor to these tender morsels.

Step 4: Prepare the Velvety Lemon Sauce

In a separate sauté pan, melt the butter over moderate heat, then stir in the flour. Cook this roux for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns sandy in color and releases a toasty aroma—this is your flavor foundation. Slowly whisk in the hot water or stock and the lemon juice, creating a glossy sauce that is tangy yet comforting. Be sure to keep stirring so it thickens smoothly.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in the Lemon Sauce

Carefully add the seared meatballs into the lemon sauce, then cover with a lid. Let them simmer gently for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to coat each one in that luscious sauce and scraping the pan to prevent sticking. This slow simmering infuses the meatballs with bright citrus notes and enriches the sauce, making each bite a delightful balance of savory and zesty.

How to Serve Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of many browned meatballs in a light brown creamy sauce in a pan, the sauce looks smooth with small herbs visible. A shiny silver spoon is partly submerged in the sauce near the center top, lifting some sauce. The meatballs have a slightly rough texture from the cooked ground meat and small bits of seasoning. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with generous freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of dried oregano to add an herbal punch and a burst of color. These simple touches elevate the aroma and invite everyone to dive in happily.

Side Dishes

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes that can soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. For a lighter side, a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese complements the dish’s flavors and adds lovely texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, serve the meatballs on a large platter with lemon wedges for extra zing, alongside warm pita bread to scoop up the sauce. You might also place them on skewers for a fun appetizer-style presentation, or nestle them against roasted vegetables for a hearty, colorful meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Keftedes in Lemon Sauce should be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delicious meatballs longer, freeze them after cooking and cooling completely. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to two months, making them a convenient go-to meal.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs with their sauce in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the meatballs tender and the sauce silky without drying them out, making every bite as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of mixing pork and beef?

Absolutely! While the combination of pork and beef adds extra juiciness and flavor, using just beef will still produce delicious meatballs. You might want to add a touch of extra olive oil or moisture to keep them from drying out.

What type of lemon juice works best for the sauce?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best because it offers bright, natural acidity and vibrant flavor that bottled juice can’t match. It really makes the sauce sing with freshness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the crustless bread with gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce roux. This way, everyone can enjoy those tangy, tender keftedes without worry.

How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?

They will feel firm to the touch, and after simmering in the lemon sauce, their internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Also, the sauce will thicken nicely and coat the meatballs beautifully when they’re done.

Can I prepare the meatballs a day ahead?

Definitely! Preparing and shaping the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerating them allows the flavors to meld and makes the cooking day smoother. Just bring them back to room temperature before searing and cooking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe enough if you crave a dish bursting with Mediterranean charm. It’s approachable, packed with soulful flavors, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Give it a try, and watch how those tender meatballs in their vibrant lemon sauce become an instant favorite on your table!

Keftedes in Lemon Sauce Recipe