Ingredients

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, grated (about 1 cup)

1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder

1 ½ tablespoons onion powder

1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt (or more to taste)

2 slices white bread (crust removed)

½ cup whole milk

2 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking)

2 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, tear the white bread into pieces and pour the ½ cup whole milk over it. Let the bread soak completely in the milk.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Grate the onion directly into the bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt.

Step 3: Once the bread has absorbed all the milk, add it to the meat mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, scoop two portions of the meat mixture on top of each other onto a plate. Wet your hands, then pick up the double scoop and gently shape it into a football-shaped patty. Repeat until all the meat is shaped.

Step 5: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Arrange the kotleti patties in a circle in the pan, filling the middle if space allows. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Add more oil if needed. Avoid pressing down on the patties to retain juices. You may need to cook in batches depending on pan size.

Step 6: Reduce heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of water and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Cover with a lid and let the kotleti simmer for 5 minutes. If cooked in two batches, return both to the pan to simmer together.

Step 7: Serve the kotleti hot over buckwheat or mashed potatoes. Top with tomato gravy and fresh herbs, and enjoy with pickles for a traditional accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, you can substitute half the milk with sour cream when soaking the bread.

Use a mixture of pork and veal instead of beef for a lighter flavor.

If you prefer, add freshly minced garlic and onion instead of powders for a fresher taste.

Serve with sour cream or a dollop of mustard on the side for added tang.

To keep kotleti warm while cooking in batches, place finished patties on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C).

FAQs

Can I use only one type of meat for kotleti?

Yes, you can make kotleti using only ground beef or only ground pork, but combining both meats gives a better balance of flavor and juiciness.

What should I serve with kotleti?

Kotleti pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or boiled rice. Traditional toppings include tomato gravy, fresh herbs, and pickles to add brightness and contrast.