Mutton Mozarella Nuggets Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the rich, savory flavor of mutton with the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella, creating the ultimate indulgent experience. Plus, the crispy breadcrumb coating just adds that perfect crunch, making each bite insanely satisfying and Instagram-worthy!

Creating recipes that meld together rich flavors and textures is something I love to do. Here is one: Mutton Mozzarella Nuggets.

You start with 500g of minced mutton, and to it you add garlic, onion powder, and paprika. (Trust me: the spices make all the difference.) After you’ve mixed everything together and formed the mutton into nugget shapes, you’ll pan-fry the nuggets until they’re golden brown (the best kind of brown).

Then, before you serve them, you’ll drizzle them with something I recently discovered: a flavor-packed secret sauce.

Ingredients

Sheep and goat: They are a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc, and they add a hearty taste.

Creamy, calcium-rich, and satisfyingly gooey, mozzarella is a texture and taste moderately close to that of provolone.

As a less salty alternative to the average pizza cheese, it also allows the other pizza toppings to contribute more pronounced flavors.

And it melts well.

Powdered Garlic: Adds depth and richness with potential antioxidant benefits.

Powdered Onion: Offers a sweet, fragrant note and works in concert with the flavor of garlic.

Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and hue plus vitamin A.

Parsley has a freshness and a boost of vitamin C that makes its overall flavor more pronounced.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g minced mutton
• 100g mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, blend the minced mutton, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly.

2. Form a nugget with mozzarella cheese inside. For each serving: take a small portion of the mutton mixture and flatten it in your palm; place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center; fold the mutton around it and seal it. (Yes, secret-agent style again.) For each shape you’re making, keep those cheese cubes close to the mutton mixtures. Once you’re done, shape each nugget again if the mutton mixes were too warm and gooey to hold their shapes. Then, keep the nuggets refrigerated until you’re ready to fry them.

3. Put the all-purpose flour in a dish that is shallow. Evenly coat each mutton nugget in the flour by rolling it in the flour. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Coat the nuggets, which have been dusted with flour, in the eggs that have been beaten. Make sure they are thoroughly enrobed.

5. Coat the nuggets with the egg, then roll them in the breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface to make them stick.

6. Once all the nuggets are coated, heat up the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep.

7. Add a few nuggets to the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

8. Cook the nuggets in oil for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

9. Using a slotted spoon, take the cooked nuggets out of the oil and place them on a plate that’s lined with paper towels. These will soak up the oil that is still on the nuggets. That’s it; you’ve made a chicken nugget that is not only tasty but also oozy and crispy.

10. Serve the mutton mozzarella nuggets steaming hot, as you would any of the other delicious Indian appetizers we’ve shared with you. These would make for a great starter with cocktails or any kind of drink. If you’re looking for a healthy shake to down with your appetizers, try making one with cherry tomatoes, parsley, spinach, and some chilled water.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Plate
6. Shallow dish
7. Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
8. Deep frying pan
9. Slotted spoon
10. Paper towels
11. Plate (for draining)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese?Indeed, you can replace mozzarella with cheddar or any other cheese that melts nicely.
• Is it possible to bake these nuggets instead of frying?You can definitely bake them in a preheated oven at 200ºC (392ºF) for about 20–25 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.
• How should I store leftover nuggets?Keep uneaten food in a sealed container inside the fridge. You can do that for 3 whole days! After that, the food is no longer safe to eat, and it’s definitely not okay to serve it to anyone you like. It’s your choice whether you eat it or toss it out. Next up, we have reheating.
• Can I use ground beef instead of mutton?Indeed, you can replace minced mutton with minced beef, but the flavor profile will be different.
• What dip goes well with these nuggets?These bites go wonderfully with a fiery mayonnaise, aïoli, or a sauce of marinara.

Substitutions and Variations

Lamb that is ground can be substituted for ground mutton.
Instead of using mozzarella, cube some sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
Regular paprika can be replaced with smoked paprika for a taste with more smokiness.
Instead of salt and garlic powder, you can use garlic salt. One teaspoon of garlic salt is equivalent to what you can use from the previous list of seasonings.
Panko breadcrumbs are a good substitute for regular breadcrumbs when you want extra crunch. They are coarser and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, giving fried foods a lighter texture and a crispier bite. From a taste standpoint, panko is relatively neutral compared to regular breadcrumbs, which can be flavored with herbs, garlic, onion, or cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Variety Mix For an elevated flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses alongside mozzarella. Adding small amounts of sharp cheddar or gouda can introduce a delightful complexity to the filling.

2. Chill Before Frying After forming and coating the nuggets, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures the mozzarella stays inside during frying.

3. Seasoned Breadcrumbs Enhance the flavor by mixing dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumbs. Adding a bit of grated parmesan can also provide a nice umami kick.

4. Oil Temperature Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at a steady temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the nuggets cook evenly and come out crispy and golden without absorbing excess oil.

5. Finish with a Sprinkle Once the nuggets are out of the fryer and drained on paper towels, give them a light sprinkle of salt or paprika while still hot. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the exterior.