Ground Pork and Broccoli Recipe: Delicious Non Stir-Fry Idea

400 grams of Ground Pork: I am using minced pork belly. Minced pork belly will be a bit tender and moist due to the high-fat content. Lean pork will be drier when cooked. It does not matter which you choose; it depends on what texture you are looking for.

100 grams finely chopped Broccoli florets: Broccoli enhances the flavor, contributing a fresh taste that complements the pork. Besides, it provides a slightly crunchy flavor to the dish. By adding some green broccoli to the meatballs, the dish will also look visually appealing too.

40 grams of Mozzarella Cheese: In this recipe, Mozzarella cheese provides a mild and creamy flavor and a soft and melty texture when cooked. Parmesan cheese or Cheddar cheese can be used as alternatives. But they would have a stronger flavor and a different texture. You can test with different cheeses based on your preference to customize the taste and texture of the meatballs.

40 grams finely chopped onion: Onion gives us a nice aromatic flavor. It also adds a slight crunchiness and sweetness to the meatball. 

2 clove garlic, minced: For the same reason, it gives us a nice aromatic flavor and smell. 

1 small egg: Besides enhancing the overall taste of the meatball, it acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatball mixture together. 

1 tablespoon cooking oil / olive oil: Adding 1 tablespoon to the meatball mixture helps retain moisture, improve texture, enhance flavor, and prevent sticking while shaping the meatballs. Olive oil, however, will give it a nutty and spicy taste. Olive oil is a must if you are a big fan of Italian foods like me.

1 tablespoon dried parsley

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt: Do not go overboard with salt. 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper: I love black pepper, which works best with Western and fusion food.

Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing Ground Pork and Broccoli Recipe

• Finely chop up the broccoli, onion, and garlic. 

• If you have fresh parsley, free free to use it. 

• First, let’s gather all the ingredients listed in the ingredients section. 

• Use clean hands or gloves, mixing and combining everything in a bowl. 

• Formed it into a 1.5 or 2 inches ball. 2 inches ball should work perfectly. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form meatballs.

Tips: Shaping the ball too small will be challenging to make it tender and golden brown crispy simultaneously.

Detailed Cooking Instructions 

1. To get started, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately three minutes.
   
   
2. Arrange the meatballs on a tray or on an air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the meat to ensure even cooking.
   
   
3. Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Only extend the cooking time when it is not fully cooked.
   
   
4. You can check the doneness using a meat thermometer or cutting one of the meatballs to check inside.
   
   

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Ground Pork and Broccoli

Tip 1: The cooking is affected by the air fryer model too. Not all air fryers cook equally. So, it is crucial to monitor the cooking closely. You could first test cook 1 or 2 meatballs. Cook the rest when you are satisfied with the result.

Tip 2: I discovered that 2 inches ball for 15 minutes at 375°F or 190°C is the sweet spot. If you shape the meatball too small, you will have a drier and less tender meatball. Getting a golden brown crispy exterior is tough if you cook for less than 15 minutes.

Alternative ingredients or substitutions

1. Ground Meat: Instead of ground pork, you can use ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, and ground lamb.
   
   
2. Vegetables: If you prefer a different vegetable or want more variety, you can substitute the chopped broccoli with other finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
   
   
3. Herbs and Seasonings: You can add or substitute with spices such as basil, thyme, rosemary, or cilantro. 

This recipe is made with ground pork and broccoli, complemented by the addition of mozzarella cheese and a beautiful blend of herbs and seasoning. The dish closely resembles the flavor of an Italian dish. Play around with the spices; you will be amazed at what you come out with.

The use of an air fryer also ensures the meatball is tender at the same time, crispy outside. As I mentioned, the dish can also be customized with alternative ingredients and substitutions.

Before I go, I invite you to check out my other ground pork and air fryer recipe: 

• Coconut amino braised ground pork 
• Crispy Pork Belly Wraps
• Air Fryer Pork Belly Strips Recipe