Entree: Russia – Eastern Siberia – Котлеты ➤ Kotlety (Pan-fried Russian ground meat patties made from seasoned meat and breadcrumbs)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 30 min

Total 50 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (227 g) ground pork
- 2 slices (approx. 60 g) stale white bread, crusts removed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced (about 4 oz / 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs for coating
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour for dredging
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

1. Soak the stale bread in 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk until softened, then squeeze out excess milk and tear into small pieces. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika if using, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 8 oval patties (each about 3/4 cup mixture). Lightly dredge each patty in flour, then press into plain breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the kotleti in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. If using, add butter in the last minute of cooking and spoon the melted butter over the patties. Drain on paper towels briefly and serve hot with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or pickled vegetables.