Traditional Romanian Mititei (Mici): Grilled Garlic-Spiced Skinless Sausages
Romanian mititei, or mici, are springy skinless beef-and-pork sausages kneaded with garlic, thyme, a small amount of bicarbonate and ice-cold beef stock, then rested overnight and grilled hard. They are served with mustard and bread.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork.
- 2
Mix the meats with garlic, thyme, coriander, cumin, pepper, salt and baking soda. Knead vigorously while adding the ice-cold beef stock a little at a time until the mixture is sticky, elastic and has absorbed the liquid.
- 3
Cover tightly and refrigerate 12-24 hours so the seasoning hydrates and the characteristic springy texture develops.
- 4
Once chilled, wet your hands and form the meat mixture into small, elongated sausages, about the length of a finger.
- 5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- 6
Place the sausages on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
- 7
Remove from the grill and serve immediately with sharp yellow mustard and fresh bread; do not put the mici in casings.
Cook notes
Tips
For extra flavor, allow the meat mixture to chill overnight before shaping the sausages.
Grilling over charcoal will enhance the smoky flavor of the mititei.
Serve with fresh bread to soak up all the juices.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the grill or in a skillet for best results.
Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.
- If you don't have ground thyme, substitute with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
What to Serve With
- Fresh crusty bread
- Mustard for dipping
- Green salad with vinaigrette
Common Mistakes
- Not refrigerating the mixture long enough to meld the flavors.
- Overcooking the sausages can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on them while grilling.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use only beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use only ground beef, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
What should I serve with Mititei?
Traditional sides include fresh bread, mustard, or a simple salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Place the leftover Mititei in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
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Rice cooker
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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