This Lebanese Lamb Croquettes comes together in about 30 minutes and is all about minimal cleanup for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the spices or add different veggies to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of odds and ends! Trust me, once you’ve tried these crispy beauties, they’ll be on your dinner rotation list for good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Lamb
- Breadcrumbs
- Onion
- Garlic : 3-4 cloves
- Spices
- Fresh Parsley
- Egg
- Oil for Frying
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Crispy Lebanese Lamb Croquettes
Sauté the Vegetables : In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once warmed, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are translucent. Add your minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, that smells good!
Cook the Lamb : Stir in your ground lamb, breaking it up as you go. Make sure the meat is cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. As you cook, sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate that extra flavor!
Mix It All Together : Transfer your cooked lamb and vegetable mixture into a large mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly before adding the breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, and cinnamon. Mix everything until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there, it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly mixed!
Form the Croquettes : Now it’s time to shape! Use your hands to form small oval or round balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate or tray, and remember to keep your hands a bit wet to avoid sticking.
Fry Those Croquettes! In the same skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking. Gently place your croquettes in the oil, cooking about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re beautifully golden brown. You might need to do this in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan!
Drain & Serve : Once cooked, transfer the croquettes to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. And voilà! You now have a pile of crispy lamb croquettes that are just begging to be devoured. Serve them hot, with your favorite sauce like tahini or yogurt sauce for dipping!
My Go-To Recipe!
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe whenever I want something comforting yet quick! The best part is how versatile they are. You can literally add whatever leftover veggies or spices you have (think carrot, zucchini, maybe even some cheese if you’re feeling cheesy). They come from my heart to yours, and I can’t wait for you to make them!
I remember the first time I made these for my family. My picky 8-year-old didn’t even hesitate to ask for seconds! That moment made me realize that these little croquettes aren’t just food; they’re family bonding and goodness served on a plate.
If you loved this easy recipe, be sure to check out my Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken, my Malfouf Mahshi, or my Fattoush Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These lamb croquettes come together in under 30 minutes. From chopping to frying, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table before you know it!
Crowd-Pleaser
No joke, everyone from kids to adults will love these flavorful bites! They make for a fun appetizer, a main dish, or even a snack. Perfect for gatherings or for a cozy weeknight!
Customizable
Feel free to switch up the spices or add in whatever veggies you need to use up. Do you have some leftover carrots? Toss them in! It’s a dish that adapts to your pantry.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prep the croquettes ahead of time and freeze them, just pop them in the freezer until you’re ready to fry! It’s a lifesaver for those busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy lamb croquettes are perfect on their own or served with a side of tzatziki or garlic sauce. You can also pair them with fresh tabbouleh salad or hummus to create a delightful Mediterranean spread.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to keep them crispy.
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! Just freeze the uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen. Fry them from frozen when you’re ready, no need to thaw!
With every bite of these Crispy Lebanese Lamb Croquettes, you bring a little piece of my kitchen into yours! They’re comforting, delicious, and make for fantastic family meals. I can’t wait for you to make these, and I promise you’ll want to keep making them again and again!
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Crispy Lebanese Lamb Croquettes
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once warmed, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are translucent.
- Add your minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in your ground lamb, breaking it up as you go, and cook through for about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor.
- Transfer the cooked lamb and vegetable mixture into a large mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly before adding the breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, and cinnamon.
- Mix everything until well combined, getting your hands in there for even mixing.
- Use your hands to form small oval or round balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate or tray.
- In the same skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
- Gently place your croquettes in the oil, cooking about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Once cooked, transfer the croquettes to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce like tahini or yogurt sauce for dipping.