Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 stick of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
½ tbsp salt
¾ tbsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
¾ tbsp chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
½ tbsp dried parsley
½ tbsp onion powder
1 whole egg
All purpose flour
Bread crumbs
Oil for frying (if frying method is chosen)
Tools
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board and knife
3 Shallow dishes
Fork or whisk
Deep frying pan or saucepan (for frying method)
Air fryer (for air frying method)
Smoker (for smoking method)
sheet Baking (for baking method)
Tongs or slotted spoon (if frying method is chosen)
Instant read thermometer
Paper towels
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili flakes, dried parsley, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 2
Take a small portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture and flatten it on the palm of your hand. Place a stick of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully wrap the ground beef around the cheese, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat the process for the remaining cheese sticks.
Step 3
Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and the last one with bread crumbs.
Step 4
Roll each meat-za-rella stick in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the meat.
Step 5
For the Frying Method:
Step 1
In a deep frying pan or saucepan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). You'll need enough oil to submerge the sticks partially.
Step 2
Carefully drop the coated meat-za-rella sticks into the hot oil, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 3
Remove the cooked sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4
For the Air Frying Method:
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Place the coated meat-za-rella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch.
Step 3
Air fry the sticks for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for even browning.
Step 4
For the Smoking Method:
Step 1
Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
Step 2
Place the coated meat-za-rella sticks directly on the smoker grates or on a wire rack.
Step 3
Smoke the sticks for about 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 169°F.
Step 4
For the Baking Method:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Place the coated meat-za-rella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 169°F.
