Gehaktballen Recipe (Dutch Meatballs)
This Gehaktballen recipe is a Dutch-style meatball made with lean ground beef, onion, and warm spices. You brown the meatballs in butter, then let them gently simmer with a little water, finishing with a sweet soy sauce (ketjap manis style) for a lightly caramel-like glaze. Follow these “how to make” steps for juicy, tender meatballs.
Ingredients
1. For the meatball mixture
2. For cooking
Step-by-Step Method
Mix the meatball base
Add the ground beef, egg, onion, salt, curry powder, mace, and black pepper to a bowl. Mix with your hands for 2–3 minutes until the mixture looks even and cohesive.
Shape and chill briefly
Form the mixture into 8–10 meatballs. If you have time, chill them for 10 minutes so they hold their shape better in the pan.
Brown in butter
Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, turning gently, for about 6–8 minutes.
Simmer to cook through
Carefully pour in the water. Lower the heat, cover, and let the meatballs simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, turning once or twice.
Finish with sweet soy sauce
Drizzle in the sweet soy sauce. Let it bubble on low for 2–3 minutes, turning the meatballs so they’re lightly coated. Serve hot; mashed potatoes or rice works well alongside.