Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork meatballs infused with warm spices, paired with a cooling mint yogurt dip that balances the flavors. This middle eastern-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends ground pork, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork, 1 small finely grated onion (about 1/4 cup), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 large beaten egg, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs and set aside on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth and chilled.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm spiced pork meatballs alongside the mint yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden-Spiced Pork Meatballs with Mint Yogurt Dip?

Middle Eastern pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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