14 Authentic Meatball Recipes from Around the World
Updated: Apr. 19, 2022From Danish frikadeller and Greek keftedes to Japanese tsukune, these traditional meatball recipes from around the world show that every culture has its own version.
Mediterranean Kofta
For a new take on meatballs, try this quick kofta recipe for flavorful Mediterranean meatballs full of spices and herbs. Shape the meat mixture around soaked wooden skewers and grill them for a more authentic twist. Pair your kofta with one of our other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Italian Meatballs
Italian meatballs with a heaping plate of spaghetti are a staple here in the U.S. But did you know that’s not common in Italy? Meatballs and spaghetti are actually served separately—spaghetti is considered a “primo piatto” (first plate) and meatballs are usually a “secondo piatto” (second plate). Italians typically serve meatballs, like this version from An Italian in My Kitchen, by themselves or in soup.
For another meatball option, try our Test Kitchen’s take on traditional Italian meatballs.
Chinese Lion’s Head Meatballs
The Chinese pork meatballs known as Lion’s Head are typically prepared one of two ways: cooked in broth or braised in soy sauce in a process sometimes known as “red-cooked.” This Lion’s Head meatball recipe from Omnivore’s Cookbook is a steamed version for a less greasy final result. You might find these flavorful meatballs served with braised veggies like Napa cabbage or bok choy.
Swedish Meatballs
I’m a “Svenska flicka” (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This classic Swedish recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It’s obviously a 20th-century version of a 19th-century favorite, since back then they didn’t have bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I think you’ll agree that these modern-day kottbullar are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa
Cajun Boudin Meatballs
Recreate Cajun flavors at home with these meatballs—and yes, there is a difference between Cajun and Creole food! Cajun boudin meatballs are a Louisiana specialty, consisting of pork, rice and seasonings. Most Cajun meatballs do contain boudin sausage (hence the name), but if you aren’t able to find any, this fried take on Cajun boudin meatballs from Cooks with Soul is perfect.
Vietnamese Meatballs
Pork Vietnamese-style meatballs are often found in a dish known as bun cha. Consisting of rice noodles and pork meatballs (the “cha” in bun cha), this main dish is popular in Hanoi and other northern cities of Vietnam. If you love Vicky Pham’s bun cha recipe, be sure to check out our Vietnamese-inspired meatball soup, too!
Find even more authentic Vietnamese recipes!
Greek Meatballs
Aromatics like caramelized onions, lemon and mint give this Greek meatball recipe—known as keftedes—its authentic flavor. This family recipe from Marilena’s Kitchen is oven-baked, but you can try grilling the meatballs during the warmer months. Consider pairing your keftedes with pastitsio (Greek lasagna) or any of these other traditional Greek recipes.
Bola-Bola
Filipino-style meatballs can be served as an appetizer or stirred into soup. Some versions of this recipe roll the meatballs in flour or bread crumbs before frying for a crisp coating. Serve plain or with a dipping sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Danish Meatballs
Frikadeller, or Danish meatballs, are made of ground pork, onions, milk, eggs, flour and a little bit of salt and pepper. Nordic Food Living believes that frikadeller’s key ingredient is the onions, since they go so well with the pork. Serve the meatballs on rye bread to make a Danish meatball sandwich, or top them with pan gravy, like in our version of a Danish meatballs recipe.
Malai Kofta
Learn how to make malai kofta! This popular Indian dish consists of delicious potato and cheese balls in a velvety tomato-based curry sauce. The air fryer lightens up the traditionally deep-fried dumplings, while the pressure cooker makes putting together the curry sauce effortless. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Polish Meatballs
Step aside, pierogi! Polish Your Kitchen‘s Polish meatballs are another go-to dish you’ll want to whip up in your own kitchen. Pulpety are a favorite among adults and children alike—especially when served with potato dumplings called kopytka.
Albondigas
My Grandmother Trinidad loved making this authentic Mexican recipe. We like to serve it over tostadas sprinkled with raw cabbage. —Wanda Knutson, Waco, Texas
Japanese Chicken Meatballs
Seasoned with a thick, teriyaki-like sauce, tsukune, or Japanese chicken meatballs, are mouthwateringly good. They’re traditionally skewered and grilled over charcoal. To keep the meat from sliding off, tsukune are often made with a panko or egg mixture to bind the meatball together. Or, you can knead the meatball mixture to prevent that, like in Just One Cookbook‘s recipe. (Have leftover panko? Use it up in these recipes that use leftover bread crumbs.)
German Meatballs
The two main ingredients of a classic German meatball are, surprisingly, anchovies and capers—but don’t let that keep you away! There’s a reason that königsberger klopse, like this recipe from All That’s Jas, is a popular old-world German recipe (it’s been around since Prussia existed, in fact). For an authentic meal, pour meatballs and sauce over boiled potatoes and sprinkle parsley on top.
Pakistani Kofta Curry
Beef kofta curry is a traditional meatball dish served in Pakistan. Over half of the ingredients needed for Tea for Turmeric‘s take on Pakistani kofta curry are whole or ground spices, so you know this meatball dish will be anything but bland. Top with a hard-boiled egg for traditional flavor.
