Mici
Skinless grilled sausages of garlicky minced beef and pork seasoned with thyme, cumin and baking soda for a light bouncy texture. They are served hot with mustard and bread.

Mititei aufm Grill: Stoschmidt, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Mici (also called mititei) are a Romanian street-food and barbecue favorite, sold at open-air events and enjoyed at summer gatherings. The mixture is made fresh and rested before grilling.
Explore the cuisine of Romania.
Recipe
Make Mici at home
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold beef stock
- Mustard and bread to serve
How it's made
- Combine the meat with garlic, baking soda, spices and salt.
- Knead in the cold stock a little at a time until the mixture is sticky and smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Wet your hands and shape into short, thick sausages about 3 inches long.
- Grill over medium-high heat, turning often, for 10 to 12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot with mustard and fresh bread.
Variations
- Lamb mici.
- Oven-baked mici.
- Mici in a bun as a sandwich.
Cook’s tip: Chill the mixture overnight; the rest time gives better flavor and a firmer shape.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Mititei aufm Grill: Stoschmidt, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
