How to Grill the Juiciest Romanian Mititei: 10 Essential Tips

There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of a summertime grill. In Romania, the undisputed stars of outdoor cooking are mititei (also known as “mici”). These spiced, skinless sausages are beloved for their tender, juicy texture and bold flavor.

The Story of Mititei

Mititei have Ottoman roots dating back to the 14th century but have evolved into a distinctly Romanian specialty. The key to their signature fluffiness is baking soda, which helps create a light, airy texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground meat (beef, pork, lamb, or a blend)—ideally 50% fat
Crushed garlic
Dried thyme, sweet paprika, and (optional) allspice
Baking soda
Concentrated beef broth or cold water
Salt and black pepper

Step-by-Step Preparation

Select quality meat: Ask your butcher for a 1:1 meat-to-fat ratio.
Grind at home: Use a fine plate or grind twice for a smooth paste.
Season: Mix garlic, spices, baking soda, and broth/water into the meat.
Knead thoroughly: Hand-knead or use a mixer until the mixture is homogeneous.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 8–16 hours to deepen flavors and firm the paste.
Shape: With oiled hands, form 50–80 g logs, all the same thickness.
Preheat the grill: Sear over high heat to form a crust that locks in juices.
Grill gently: Turn frequently to avoid burning and cook over glowing coals, not open flames.

Top 10 Tips for Perfect Mititei

Use at least 50% fat for juiciness.
Replace water with concentrated beef broth for extra depth.
Add liquid gradually while mixing—don’t overdo it.
Grind your own meat and customize spices.
Include a pinch of allspice (ienibahar).
Rest the mixture overnight for best flavor.
Oiling your hands prevents sticking while shaping.
Grill over high heat to seal in juices.
Turn mititei often with long tongs for even cooking.
Avoid direct flames—extinguish flare-ups with a few drops of water.

Calorie Count

Mititei are light and fluffy—about 50 g each. Four mititei (≈200 g) provide roughly 400–700 kcal, depending on meat fat content. Watch out for calorie add-ons like bread, fries, and beer!

Recipe Variations to Try

Pork-only mititei
Pan-grilled mititei
Lamb and pork blend
Beef–pork with sour cream
Three-meat mix