How To Make Russian Meat Patties (Kotlety)
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Russian Meat Patties, or “Kotlety,” are a staple in Russian cuisine, loved for their hearty and satisfying flavor. Perfectly pan-fried until golden brown, these patties are a comforting main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Simple yet delicious, they bring the warmth of traditional Russian home cooking to your table.
Why You’ll Love Russian Meat Patties (Kotlety)
- These patties are wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a satisfying texture with every bite.
- They’re incredibly versatile, making them a perfect match for a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh salads.
- With their simple preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner.
- You can customize the patties by using your favorite type of ground meat or a combination, adding a personal touch to the dish.
- Kotlety are freezer-friendly, making it easy to prepare a batch in advance for quick meals when time is short.
Russian meat patties a.k.a “kotlety” is a very popular Russian main dish. Russian kotlety meat patties are made out of the ground meat mixture that is shaped into patties and pan-fried. You can make these Russian meat patties out of any kind of ground meat: ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken or ground turkey. You can also mix different kinds of meat for kotlety meat patties – for example, you can mix 1/2 lb of ground beef with 1/2 lb of ground pork.
The meat mixture for Russian meat patties is similar to the meatloaf mixture – ground meat is mixed with minced onion, egg and bread. The recipe for Russian meat patties kotlety is a very easy, and these patties are very delicious. If you like meatloaf, you will surely like Russian kotlety!
Russian Meat Patties (Kotlety) Recipe
Ingredients For Kotlety:
- 1 lb ground meat – The base of the patties; use beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination.
- 1 onion, minced – Adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the patties.
- 2 slices of bread – Soaked in water to create a soft, tender texture in the meat mixture.
- 1 egg, whisked – Acts as a binder to hold the patties together during cooking.
- 3/4 tsp salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the meat and other ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a subtle kick of spice for a balanced flavor.
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs – For coating the patties, giving them a crisp and golden crust.
- 2 tbsp oil – Used for pan-frying to achieve the perfect golden exterior.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Russian Meat Patties (Kotlety)
- Mixing bowl – For combining the meat mixture.
- Small bowl – Used to soak the bread slices.
- Non-stick frying pans – Essential for pan-frying the patties to golden perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Plate – For holding the breadcrumbs and coating the patties.
Instructions How To Make Russian Meat Patties:
- Put bread slices in a small bowl with water.
- Put the ground meat in another bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add the egg and onion to the meat. Take the bread slices out of the water and add to the meat.
- Mix the meat mixture with your hands until everything is combined.
- Put breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Preheat the oil in 2 large non-stick frying pans (1 tbsp of oil in each pan) over medium-high heat.
- With your hands, form the meat mixture into patties one at a time, put each meat patty on a plate with breadcrumbs, then flip and put another side in breadcrumbs, so the meat patties are coated with breadcrumbs on both sides.
- Put meat patties on the frying pan so they are not touching. Pan-fry for 7 minutes on each side (or until cooked through – no longer pink in center).
The classic side dish for Russian kotlety meat patties is mashed potatoes – read more on how to make perfect mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these kotlety with Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a classic Russian comfort meal.
- Serve with a side of Fresh Cucumber Spears or a Fresh Green Salad with Cauliflower for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a dollop of Homemade Sour Cream or a drizzle of Flavorful Instant Pot Gravy for extra richness.
- Consider serving with steamed Fluffy Jasmine Rice or Instant Pot Buckwheat Kasha for a hearty, grain-based side dish.
- Enjoy them as a sandwich filling by placing a patty in a bun with lettuce and your favorite condiments.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose fresh ground meat and onions for the best flavor. If mixing meats, ensure they’re of similar fat content for even cooking.
- Don’t skip soaking the bread: This step is essential for achieving a moist and tender texture in the patties. For an extra rich flavor, you can use milk instead of water for soaking.
- Mix gently: Overmixing the meat can make the patties dense. Combine the ingredients just until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Consistent size: Shape the patties to be roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Using your hands is the best way to get uniform shapes.
- Proper frying technique: Heat the oil thoroughly before adding the patties to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of frying.
- Test for doneness: Make sure the patties are fully cooked by checking that the center is no longer pink, or use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (for beef, pork, or turkey) or 165°F (for chicken).
- Keep them warm: If making a large batch, keep cooked patties warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F) until all are ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Use any ground meat you like, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. For a richer flavor, combine two types of meat, like half beef and half pork.
- Bread alternatives: Replace the bread slices with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you prefer. You can also soak bread in milk instead of water for extra tenderness.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and gluten-free bread for the mixture to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Herbs and spices: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro to the meat mixture for added freshness. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or nutmeg for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian version: For a meat-free take, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Cooking methods: While pan-frying is traditional, you can also bake the patties in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry them for a healthier option.
- Serving styles: For a lighter meal, skip the breadcrumbs and serve the patties with a fresh salad. Alternatively, transform them into mini sliders for appetizers or party snacks.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
- Freezing: To freeze, place cooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating in a skillet: Reheat patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through.
- Reheating in the oven: Place patties on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quick option, reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness. Keep in mind that the texture may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. Alternatively, you can shape the patties and store them in the fridge, covered, until ready to fry.
What’s the best type of ground meat for kotlety?
You can use any ground meat, but a blend of beef and pork is traditional and adds a nice balance of flavor and moisture. For leaner options, turkey or chicken works well but may require extra care to prevent dryness.
Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t have the same crispy exterior, baking is a healthier alternative.
How can I tell when the patties are fully cooked?
The patties are done when their center is no longer pink, or you can use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F for beef, pork, or turkey, and 165°F for chicken.
What side dishes pair best with kotlety?
Mashed potatoes are the classic pairing, but you can also serve kotlety with rice, buckwheat, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and gluten-free bread in the meat mixture. These substitutions work seamlessly.
Why are my patties falling apart?
This could be due to insufficient binding. Make sure to include the egg and bread in the mixture and mix well. If needed, add a bit more bread or breadcrumbs to firm up the mixture.
Other Easy Russian Recipes
Solyanka Soup Recipe – Russian Olive Soup – A hearty and tangy soup made with cured meats, olives, and a medley of spices for a rich, comforting meal.
Eggplant Caviar Spread Recipe – Russian Baklazhannaya Ikra – A savory and smoky spread of roasted eggplants, onions, and tomatoes, perfect as a dip or appetizer.
Russian Apple Sharlotka Cake Recipe – A light and fluffy apple cake that’s simple to make and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
Easy Pelmeni Dumplings Recipe with Wonton Wrappers – Quick and delicious homemade dumplings filled with seasoned meat, made even easier using wonton wrappers.
Traditional Russian Borscht Recipe with Beets – A vibrant beet soup with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and earthy flavors, topped with sour cream.
Ezhiki Meatballs Recipe – Russian Rice Meatballs – Juicy meatballs mixed with rice and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, a classic comfort food.
Salt-Cured Salmon Recipe – Russian Style – A delicately brined salmon recipe that delivers rich, silky, and flavorful results every time.
Russian Meat Patties (Kotlety)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
- 1 onion minced
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 egg whisked
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Small bowl
- Non-stick frying pans
Instructions
- Soak the bread slices in a small bowl of water until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, salt, pepper, egg, and minced onion.
- Squeeze the water out of the bread and add it to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Spread breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Preheat 1 tbsp of oil in each of two large non-stick frying pans over medium-high heat.
- Shape the meat mixture into patties. Coat each patty in breadcrumbs on both sides.
- Place the patties in the frying pans, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
Notes
- These patties pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and a side of fresh cucumbers for a traditional Russian meal.
- For a juicier variation, you can soak the bread in milk instead of water.
Nutrition
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I love kotlety. My grandma soaked bread in milk instead of water. It makes kotlety juicier. She also rarely used bread crumbs at all. Just fries them as is. Delicious. Thank you for posting this
Every Russian cook has their own variation of kotlety recipe :) I’ve heard of people using milk instead of water, I’m sure it’s delicious!