Brazilian recipe
Classic savoury beef balls: a simple recipe (Bolinho de carne)
Whip up these juicy, golden-brown beef croquettes, a staple Brazilian snack. This traditional recipe uses fresh herbs and seasonings for a savoury bite.
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Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying
Sea salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons of plain flour (or until the mixture binds)
500g lean minced beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
Fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley, chopped to taste
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying
Sea salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons of plain flour (or until the mixture binds)
500g lean minced beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
Fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley, chopped to taste
Where to find ingredients
You will find all ingredients at local supermarkets. Opt for 15-20% fat minced beef for the juiciest results. Fresh flat-leaf parsley is widely available in the herb section; if you prefer the authentic bright flavour of coriander, it is also a staple in the fresh produce aisle. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, for deep frying.
Preparation method
- In a large mixing bowl, place the minced beef.
- Add the onion, garlic, tomato (if using), coriander or parsley, salt, and black pepper to the meat.
- Thoroughly combine all seasonings with the meat to ensure an even flavour distribution.
- Incorporate the egg and 2 tablespoons of plain flour into the mixture.
- Continue mixing until you achieve a consistent, malleable dough.
- If the mixture is too wet to shape, gradually add more flour until it holds its form and no longer sticks to your hands.
- Shape into small balls or slightly flattened patties, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep-sided saucepan or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of the beef mixture.
- The oil is at the correct temperature when the piece rises to the surface and bubbles gently.
- Deep-fry the beef balls in batches over medium heat until they are deeply golden on the outside and cooked through.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which ensures a crisp finish.
- Remove the fried snacks with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil before serving.
Observations
Beef balls (bolinhos de carne) are a beloved snack in Brazilian cuisine, perfect for social gatherings, garden BBQs, or simply as a savoury treat.
This recipe uses high-quality minced beef seasoned with fresh ingredients such as onion, garlic, and fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley, delivering a bold and authentic flavour profile.
The preparation is straightforward, yielding snacks that are succulent on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior once fried. They are an excellent accompaniment to drinks or a fantastic starter for any meal.
With clear instructions and standard kitchen staples, you can easily replicate these moreish bites in your own kitchen.
This recipe uses high-quality minced beef seasoned with fresh ingredients such as onion, garlic, and fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley, delivering a bold and authentic flavour profile.
The preparation is straightforward, yielding snacks that are succulent on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior once fried. They are an excellent accompaniment to drinks or a fantastic starter for any meal.
With clear instructions and standard kitchen staples, you can easily replicate these moreish bites in your own kitchen.
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