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Home » Middle Eastern

Gluten Free Meatballs (Koftet Roz)

Published: Mar 19, 2021 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This easy gluten free meatballs recipe is like no other as it is gluten free, egg free, dairy free and does not require gluten free bread crumbs. Known in Egypt as Koftet roz or rice meatballs. A flavorful meatball loaded with fresh herbs.
Total time 45 minutes
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Gluten free meatballs are undeniably one of the most delicious meatballs, a family favorite much like the classic Kofta Kebab. Loads of fresh herbs combined with ground beef, rice flour and spies makes this easy Egyptian rice meatballs.

Next time, try these meatloaf cupcakes.

meatballs in a cast iron skillet with tomato sauce and garnished with parsley.
Egyptian Koftet Roz or rice meatballs is one of the traditional Egyptian food recipes.

Today, I am going to show you how using such a versatile ingredient like rice, we can make the most delectable meatball that is not only dairy free and egg free, but also with the use of rice flour instead of bread crumbs, means it's gluten free.

Using a trio of fresh herbs, Egyptian inspired seasonings, you will be amazed at how easy and unbelievably delicious these meatballs taste.

Jump to:
  • ❓Why This Recipe Works
  • 📝 Recipe Ingredients
  • 🥄 Recipe Instructions
  • 💡 Recipe Expert Tips
  • 💬 Recipe FAQs
  • 📣 More Recipes From the Blog
  • Gluten Free Meatballs (Egyptian Koftet roz)

❓Why This Recipe Works

  • Not only gluten free but also egg and dairy free meatballs.
  • Feeds a crowd.
  • Freezer friendly.
  • You do not need special ingredients like gluten free breadcrumbs.

This gluten free meatball recipe comes together very quickly as most of the work is done for you in a blender. Fresh herbs are the way to go for the best taste, and I do not recommend using dried ones.

Also, this is a very economical recipe as one pound of ground meat will yield about three pounds of meatballs. An easy and simple freezer friendly meatballs for your busy weeknights.

📝 Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for gluten free meatballs on a marble counter top.

📋 Ingredient Notes

  • If you do not have rice flour you can simply grind rice from you pantry. Each cup of rice will give you around 1 ⅓ cup of rice flour.
  • Try to use fresh herbs it really makes a difference.
  • This recipe is traditionally made with ground camel meat but this is very hard for us here in the US, so I ma using ground beef.

🥄 Recipe Instructions

A collage of three images showing how to blend the meat mixture for gluten free meatballs.
  1. In your blender, add onion, garlic, water and blend well.
  2. Add chopped fresh herbs and blend again.
  3. Add ground beef and blend once more until everything is combined.
A collage of three images showing spices and rice flour mixed with meat to make gluten free meatballs.
  1. In a separate bowl, combine rice flour, spices and baking soda.
  2. Add the ground beef mixture into the rice bowl.
  3. Knead with your hands until you get a soft but firm mixture.
A collage of three images showing forming anf frying gluten free meatballs.
  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the meatball mixture and roll into balls .
  2. Deep fry in oil until lightly brown.
  3. You can eat as is or add to tomato or marinara sauce.

💡 Recipe Expert Tips

  • When prepping the fresh herbs get rid of the lowest part of the bunch as it is usually thick stems without any leaves. We mainly want leaves and thin stems.
  • This recipe is very forgiving, so do not freak out too much about the fresh herbs weight.
  • The meatballs might crack up a bit while frying this is totally normal and ok for this kind of meatballs as these meatballs are usually made with ground camel meat and this makes it more intact and crack-free.
  • Meatballs are usually crunchy on the outside, but adding it to the sauce softens them.
  • These meatballs are very economical because just one pound of ground beef yields 3 pounds of meatballs.
  • Get the kids to help! Seriously, kids can not start too soon when it comes to helping and learning how to cook in the kitchen. Have the kids wash their hands and roll up their sleeves. This recipe is perfect for small hands and you will have a ton of help rolling meatballs.

💬 Recipe FAQs

What kind of rice is used for rice flour?

Rice flour is made by grinding down uncooked rice into a fine powder. Short grain white rice is good for rice flour and what this recipe recommends, if you are unable to get rice flour from your local store. You can also try different types of rice like Basmati rice, Jasmine rice, Brown rice or a long-grain rice.

Can meatballs be frozen ahead of time?

The great thing about meatballs is that they can be made and frozen ahead of time. Gluten free meatballs can be frozen before cooking. Lay them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper, being sure to note they are not touching one another. Freeze them until solid. Then you can put them in a freezer bag with the name and date. According to the USDA, uncooked ground beef is best used within four months.

A hand holding a fork with a gluten free meatball cut to show texture.

📣 More Recipes From the Blog

  • Kofta Kebab Recipe
  • Chicken Kofta Kabobs
  • Hawawshi (Arayes)
  • Best Molokhia; Egyptian Mulukhia

I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

Meatballs in a cast iron skillet with tomato sauce and garnished with parsley.

Gluten Free Meatballs (Egyptian Koftet roz)

This easy gluten free meatballs recipe is like no other as it is gluten free, egg free, dairy free and does not require gluten free bread crumbs. Known in Egypt as Koftet roz or rice meatballs. A flavorful meatball loaded with fresh herbs.
4.34 from 3 votes
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Course: Appetizer, dinner
Cuisine: Egyptian
Diet: Gluten Free, Halal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 55 meatballs
Calories: 54kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • ½ cup water
  • 5 large garlic cloves
  • 1 bunch cilantro discard the thick stems and chop
  • 1 0.5 - 0.7 oz dill discard the thick stems and chop
  • 3 cups rice flour 450g
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-3 teaspoons salt or to your liking
  • 1 ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pound ground beef

Instructions

  • In your blender, add onion, garlic, water and blend well.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs and blend again.
  • Add ground beef and blend once more until everything is combined.
  • In a separate bowl, combine rice flour, spices and baking soda.
  • Mix the ground beef mixture into the rice mixture and knead with your hands until you get a soft, but firm mixture. Add more water if you feel the need to.
  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball or fingers (more traditional).
  • Deep fry in oil until lightly brown.
  • You can eat as is or add to a tomato or marinara sauce.

Notes

  • If you do not have rice flour you can simply grind rice from your pantry. Each cup of rice will give you around 1 ⅓ cup of rice flour.
  • When prepping the fresh herbs get rid of the lowest part of the bunch as it is usually thick stems without any leaves. We mainly want leaves and thin stems.
  • The recipe is very forgiving so do not freak out too much about the fresh herbs weight. 
  • Meatballs might crack up a bit while frying this is totally normal and okay for this kind of meatballs as these meatballs are usually made with ground camel meat and this makes it more intact and crack-free.
  • Meatballs are usually crunchy on the outside but adding it to sauce softens them.
  • The more they stay in the sauce, the more they will absorb it and get fatter as they have a lot of rice content. This is not something bad though, many people especially older people, like it soft and fat like this. If this would bother you then make your sauce and drop the meatballs in just before serving. 
  • These meatballs are very economical and feeds a crowd.  This recipe yields about 3 pounds of gluten free meatballs. 
  • Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1each | Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
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First published Jun 22, 2013 . Last updated December 28, 2020 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fatima Khan

    October 05, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    Would it be possible to do this with all purpose flour?

    Reply
    • Amira

      October 06, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Fatima, I haven't tried that before as this is traditionally made with ground rice. You can make your own rice flour though.

      Reply
  2. Sarah Kaldas

    March 20, 2021 at 9:49 am

    Hello, love this recipe, thank you so much for sharing. My husband is Egyptian and I love making special dishes for him to see him smile.
    I do have a question? Is it possible to bake them? Air fry them? Also is it possible to make them and freeze them ?
    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  3. Randa Tadros

    January 05, 2021 at 8:00 am

    I was surprised to see dill as part of the ingredients. I didn't think that was an ingredient that my mom used? Also, no cumin in the sauce?

    Reply
    • Amira

      January 13, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      Randa, feel free to adjust according to your liking dear. My mom uses dill in her recipe and that's why it is in there :).

      Reply
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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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