"Mititei"Romanian Barbecue Sausages
Mititei are flavorful Romanian barbecue sausages with garlic, herbs, and spices, perfect for grilling or baking, ideal for gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush garlic with salt in water using a fork.
- Add ground beef, baking soda, salt, ground pepper, seasoned salt, and dried thyme to the garlic mixture and mix well.
- Take approximately 1/4 cup of the meat mixture and roll between your palms into a sausage about 3 to 4 inches long.
- Place the sausages side by side into a container.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
- Cook on a grill over low fire for about 3 minutes on each side until cooked through and browned.
- Alternatively, the sausages can be baked in the oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, let the meat mixture rest overnight after mixing. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. You can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork for a richer taste or use ground turkey for a leaner option. Ensure even cooking by shaping sausages uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mititei with a side of mustard and fresh bread for a traditional experience. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Consider serving alongside a hearty dish like Chili Pot Pie for a complete meal or with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the sausages.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill them briefly over medium heat or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Mititei"Romanian Barbecue Sausages contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1595mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mititei ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and shape the sausages up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tastier sausages when grilled or baked.
What sides go well with mititei?
Mititei are delicious with a variety of sides. Traditional options include Romanian-style pickles, grilled vegetables, or a light salad. They also pair well with potatoes in any form, such as roasted or mashed, or even a dish like Seasoned Burgers to complement the barbecue theme.
Can I freeze mititei?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked sausages by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).