Mici, also called mititei, are Romanian skinless grilled meat rolls with a juicy texture and a fragrant mix of garlic and warm spices. They are a favorite at outdoor gatherings.
A little broth and baking soda keep the mixture tender, while a long chill lets the flavors settle and makes the rolls easier to shape.
Wet your hands before shaping the mici and keep them evenly sized so they cook through before the outside gets too dark.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with yellow mustard, crusty bread, pickled vegetables, and cold beer or sparkling water.
Recipe Notes
The shaped mici can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Romanian Mici (Mititei) Grilled Meat Rolls
Juicy Romanian grilled meat rolls seasoned with garlic, coriander, thyme, and paprika.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill
- Instant-read thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
Mici
- 1 lb ground beef 80 percent lean
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 5 cloves garlic finely grated
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/2 cup beef broth cold
- 1 tbsp neutral oil for the grill
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard for serving
Instructions
Mix and chill:
- Combine the beef, pork, lamb, garlic, baking soda, spices, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and broth in a bowl.
- Knead with wet hands for 5 minutes until sticky and well blended. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Shape and grill:
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into short cylinders about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Heat a grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill the mici for 10 to 15 minutes, turning often, until browned and the center reaches 160°F.
Serve:
- Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with mustard, bread, and pickles.
Notes
- Chilling improves both flavor and shape.
- Do not press the mici flat on the grill.
- Cook to 160°F/71°C in the center for food safety.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 34gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 740mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g