Easy Bola Bola (Filipino meatballs) combine pork, panko breadcrumbs, carrots, and onions to create a versatile meatball recipe. Tender and tasty on the inside then deep-fried and crispy on the outside! The perfect appetizer or dinner idea!

Ingredients to Make Bola Bola

Taste the flavors of Filipino cuisine at home with this bola bola meatball recipe! It just takes a handful of simple ingredients to make. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact measurements.

• Ground Pork: Ground pork is traditional but use ground chicken or ground turkey if you prefer.
• Onion:  I like to finely dice or sometimes grate the onion so that I get the flavor and not the texture.
• Carrot:  One small carrot will do! You don’t even need to peel it, wash and grate it whole.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the best!
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives it a tasty texture and helps give the meatball structure.
• Egg: Helps to bind the ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: Just a little for that umami flavor and to help moisten the mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances the meatball flavors.
• Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying like canola or vegetable oil.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve your meatballs with this yummy sauce. It’s so good!

Filipino Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs come together quickly and easily, making them perfect as a side dish, main course, or an appetizer for gatherings.

1. Combine: In a large bowl combine the ground pork, onion, carrot, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix: Mix everything until well combined.
3. Shape: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and set aside.
4. Fry: Fill a large skillet halfway with canola oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using tongs or a spider spatula, add the meatballs to the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the meatballs, flipping halfway through until cooked through and golden brown on the outside, about 4-5 minutes total. Cool on a plate lined with paper towels.