Serves 6
40 min
Eastern European Kotlety
Recipe GLPR6cd695be4635d4
Authentic beef patties from Eastern European cuisine, made with seasoned ground beef, cracker crumbs, and sautéed onions. These tender kotlety are pan-fried until golden brown and develop a crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. Serve with sour cream and root vegetable sides for a classic presentation.
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Ingredients
1⅓ pounds lean ground beef
⅔ cup cracker crumbs
1 small sweet yellow onion, minced
1 egg, well beaten
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 garlic clove, minced
1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup vegetable shortening for frying
Directions
In a small skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, stirring frequently until softened and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, beaten egg, milk, and the cooked onion-garlic mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overwork the mixture or the patties will become dense.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty about ¾ inch thick.
Heat the remaining ½ cup vegetable shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the patties in the hot fat and fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.
Flip the patties and fry for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 160F and the exterior is golden brown. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan.
Transfer the finished kotlety to a plate lined with paper towels to drain briefly. Serve hot with sour cream and your choice of accompaniments such as roasted vegetables or boiled potatoes.
