Description
These Authentic Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce (Youvarlakia Avgolemono) are tender, herby meatballs simmered in a silky lemon-egg sauce. Light yet comforting, this Mediterranean dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, cultural gatherings, or elegant entertaining. High in protein, naturally gluten-free, and packed with fresh herbs, it’s a healthy comfort food you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (or lamb, turkey, or pork)
- 100g white rice (uncooked)
- 1 large onion, finely grated (about 120g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Sauce (Avgolemono):
- 2 large eggs
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 80ml)
- 750ml beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Instructions
- Mix meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, herbs, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Simmer: Bring broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Add meatballs carefully, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 30–35 minutes until rice is tender.
- Make lemon sauce: In a bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Gradually whisk in lemon juice. Slowly add 1 cup hot broth to temper the eggs, whisking constantly.
- Finish sauce: Turn off heat. Gently stir the lemon-egg mixture back into the pot. Add cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Serve: Ladle meatballs and sauce into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh dill and parsley for authentic flavor.
- Grate the onion finely to keep meatballs moist.
- Simmer gently—avoid boiling to keep meatballs tender.
- Temper eggs slowly to prevent curdling.
- Pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poached, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Greek meatballs in lemon sauce, Youvarlakia Avgolemono, authentic Greek recipes, Mediterranean meatball recipe, lemon egg sauce meatballs