Brazilian Cornmeal Croquettes with Spiced Ground Beef
Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and fragrant inside — these cornmeal fritters stuffed with seasoned ground beef are a staple of Brazil's beloved June festivals. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they bring the warmth of Brazilian street food straight to your kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients
40 servings
- 500 g (4 cups) yellow cornmeal
- 1.5 litres (6 cups) water
- 1 litre (4 cups) beef broth
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cassava flour or cornstarch
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley and chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
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Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and cassava flour until completely lump-free.
- 2
Stir in the vegetable oil until the flour mixture is evenly coated.
- 3
Bring the water to a boil, dissolve the beef broth in it, then gradually pour it over the flour mixture, stirring constantly until a smooth, workable dough forms.
- 4
Prepare the filling: combine the raw ground beef with onion, garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper — do not pre-cook the meat.
- 5
Flatten a portion of dough in your palm, place a spoonful of filling in the centre, and seal the dough around it into an oval shape.
- 6
Deep-fry in oil heated to 180 °C (350 °F) in batches for 4–5 minutes until deep golden brown all over.
- 7
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
💡 Chef's Tip
The secret to juicy croquettes is always using raw ground beef for the filling — it cooks through during frying and stays moist. Pre-cooked meat dries out completely. Season the filling generously and taste before shaping.
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