🥩 Kotleti Recipe (Russian Meat Patties)
Make authentic Russian Kotleti—juicy and crispy meat patties made with ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, and spices. Perfect for family dinners and easy to serve with mashed potatoes or salad!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 20 mins
🍽️ Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream (optional for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or butter for frying
👨🍳 Instructions
-
Prepare the mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, soaked bread (squeeze out excess milk), egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until soft but not sticky. -
Shape the patties:
With wet hands, form oval-shaped patties (about the size of your palm). Coat lightly in breadcrumbs. -
Cook:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. -
Finish:
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until cooked through. -
Serve hot:
Enjoy with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or fresh salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve Kotleti with mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
- Add a side of pickled cucumbers or Russian beet salad (Vinaigrette).
- Serve inside bread rolls with mustard for a quick lunch version.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Kotleti in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw before frying.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan or oven to keep them juicy.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make Kotleti with chicken or turkey?
Yes! Chicken or turkey makes a lighter version of Kotleti. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
2. Why do my Kotleti fall apart?
They may lack enough binder (egg or soaked bread). Add a bit more bread or breadcrumbs to firm them up.
3. Can I bake Kotleti instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. What’s the difference between Kotleti and Western-style burgers?
Kotleti are softer, juicier, and include soaked bread and onion for flavor, unlike burgers which are more compact and grilled.
5. Can I make vegetarian Kotleti?
Yes! Substitute ground meat with mashed lentils, beans, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
🍴 Similar Recipes :
- Pelmeni Recipe (Russian Dumplings)
- Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Golubtsi (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
- Syrniki (Russian Cheese Pancakes)
- Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)

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