The Russian burger, also known as 'Kotlety', is a traditional and much-loved dish in Russia. These burgers are simple yet flavorful, with a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. Made with ground pork and a blend of spices, they are perfect for a family dinner or a picnic lunch.
The primary ingredient for Kotlety is ground pork, which is readily available in most supermarkets. However, the texture and flavour of the burgers largely depend on the quality of meat used. Hence, opt for fresh, organic ground pork if possible. Another key ingredient is bread crumbs, which creates the crispy coating. They are usually found in the bakery aisle. If unavailable, you can easily make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread.
Ingredients for Russian Burgers (Kotlety)
Ground pork: This forms the base of the burger. It provides a rich and meaty flavour, as well as a tender and juicy texture.
Onion: Adds a mild, sweet taste and contributes to the moisture content of the burger.
Garlic: Enhances the taste. It gives the burger a subtle, pungent flavour.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the burger.
Salt and black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the burger.
Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the burger mix.
Bread crumbs: Gives a crispy coating to the burger.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the burgers. It helps to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
One reader, Edvard Lor says:
This Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe is a game-changer! The combination of ground pork, onion, and garlic creates a burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. The crispy texture from the bread crumbs adds the perfect touch. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their burger game!
Essential Techniques for Making Russian Burgers (Kotlety)
How to prepare the pork mixture: Combine the ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg in a large bowl. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper.
How to achieve the desired consistency: Gradually add water to the pork mixture, stirring continuously until it reaches the consistency of sour cream.
How to coat the patties: Scoop medium-sized balls of the pork mixture with a tablespoon and drop them onto a plate of bread crumbs. Flip the patties to coat both sides evenly.
How to fry the patties: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown.
How To Make Russian Burgers (Kotlety)
Kotlety or Russian burgers are pan-fried patties made of ground pork, egg, bread crumbs, onion, and garlic. Simple, but it turns out flavorful and juicy!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground pork
- 1small onion,grated
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 1large egg,lightly beaten
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 1cupwater,or more as needed
- 1cupbread crumbs,or as needed
- 3tbspvegetable oil,or to taste
Instructions
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Combine the pork, onion, garlic, and egg in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add water a little at a time, stirring until pork mixture absorbs it and reaches the consistency of sour cream.
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Pour the bread crumbs onto a plate.
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Scoop up medium-sized balls of the pork mixture with a tablespoon and drop it into the bread crumbs.
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Flip to coat both sides.
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Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
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Fry the patties, in batches if necessary, for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Calories: 525.51kcal
- Fat: 37.19g
- Saturated Fat: 10.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.77g
- Carbohydrates: 21.87g
- Fiber: 1.71g
- Sugar: 2.47g
- Protein: 24.63g
- Cholesterol: 128.15mg
- Sodium: 561.88mg
- Calcium: 82.82mg
- Potassium: 433.84mg
- Iron: 2.64mg
- Vitamin A: 22.46µg
- Vitamin C: 2.32mg
Mastering the Art of Shaping Kotlety
When making your Russian burgers (kotlety), it's important to ensure that the pork mixture absorbs the water properly. This can be achieved by adding the water gradually, rather than all at once. This will allow the meat to slowly absorb the liquid, resulting in a moist and tender burger. Additionally, when frying the patties, make sure the oil is properly heated before adding the patties. This will ensure a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Kotlety
Prep ahead: Chop and mix the pork, onion, and garlic the night before and store in the fridge. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Double batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra patties for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Organized workspace: Set up your ingredients and tools in an organized manner before you start cooking to save time and reduce stress.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the onion and garlic, saving time on prep work.
Cook in batches: Cook the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly and save time in the long run.
Preheat the pan: Make sure the frying pan is preheated before adding the patties to save time and ensure a crispy exterior.
Substitute Ingredients For Russian Burgers (Kotlety) Recipe
ground pork - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground pork, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, offering a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a slightly milder flavor.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs, providing binding properties.
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs, offering a lighter and crispier texture to the dish.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, providing a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Presenting Your Delicious Kotlety
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the Russian burgers in a circular pattern on the plate, with a drizzle of sour cream in the center for a touch of elegance.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped dill and parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Incorporate a side salad: Serve the Russian burgers alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Add a touch of sophistication with a balsamic reduction: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction on the plate for a refined and tangy flavor addition.
- Serve with a shot of chilled vodka: Offer a shot of premium vodka as a palate cleanser and traditional Russian accompaniment to the meal.
- Use a fine dining plating technique: Employ the quenelle method to shape the sour cream into a smooth, elegant scoop for a professional touch.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few delicate edible flowers around the plate to add a touch of beauty and sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Russian Burgers
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently preparing the onion and garlic for the Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings. It provides a spacious and convenient vessel for thorough mixing of the ingredients.
Frying pan: A frying pan is used to fry the patties for the Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe. It should be heated over medium heat and is essential for achieving the golden brown and crispy exterior of the patties.
Plate: A plate is used to hold the bread crumbs for coating the pork patties. It provides a flat surface for easy coating and ensures even coverage of the bread crumbs on the patties.
Tablespoon: A tablespoon is used to scoop up the pork mixture and form it into medium-sized balls before dropping them into the bread crumbs. It helps in portioning the patties and ensures uniform size.
Stove: The stove is used to heat the frying pan for frying the patties. It provides the necessary heat source for cooking the patties to perfection.
Spatula: A spatula is used for flipping the patties while frying. It helps in ensuring even cooking and prevents the patties from sticking to the pan.
Cutting board: A cutting board is used for chopping the onion and garlic. It provides a stable surface for safe and efficient chopping of the ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Russian Burgers for Later
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for Russian burgers (kotlety):
- Storing: Place the cooled kotlety in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Arrange the cooled kotlety in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the kotlety are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen kotlety to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen kotlety can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- From the refrigerator: Place the kotlety in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- From the freezer: Thaw the kotlety in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the kotlety in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a small amount of oil or butter if needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Kotlety
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover kotlety on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the crispy exterior while ensuring the inside remains moist and flavorful.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the kotlety on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel helps to prevent the kotlety from drying out during the reheating process.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the kotlety in a skillet. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the kotlety and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
For a healthier option, reheat the kotlety in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the kotlety in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method uses little to no oil, making it a healthier choice compared to pan-frying.
If you have leftover gravy or sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan or microwave. Once the kotlety are heated through, pour the warm gravy or sauce over them for added flavor and moisture.
Fascinating Facts About Kotlety
The Russian burgers, also known as kotlety, are a popular dish in Russian cuisine. They are often served as a main course or as a filling for sandwiches. These patties are made with ground pork, which gives them a rich and savory flavor. The addition of onion and garlic adds depth to the taste, while the bread crumbs help bind the mixture together. When frying the patties, it's important to achieve a golden brown color to ensure they are cooked through. This dish is a delicious and hearty option for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Russian cuisine.
Is Making Russian Burgers at Home Cost-Effective?
The Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground pork, onion, and bread crumbs, are affordable and readily available. The recipe yields flavorful and satisfying patties that can feed a family of four at an approximate cost of $10. The versatility of the dish also adds value, making it a practical and budget-friendly option for home cooking. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Are Russian Burgers (Kotlety) Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses ground pork, which is higher in saturated fat compared to leaner meats like chicken or turkey.
- The recipe calls for frying the patties in vegetable oil, adding extra fat and calories to the dish.
- The use of bread crumbs as a coating can increase the carbohydrate content of the burgers.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as onion and garlic, which offer various health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for leaner ground meats, such as chicken, turkey, or lean beef, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Instead of frying the patties, try baking or grilling them to minimize the added fat from cooking oil.
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs or crushed oats as a coating to increase the fiber content and provide a healthier alternative to regular bread crumbs.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the patty mixture, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and add moisture without relying on excessive amounts of water.
- Serve the kotlety with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Russian Dish
The Russian burgers (kotlety) recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground pork, onion, and garlic creates a savory base, while the addition of egg and bread crumbs adds richness and depth. The use of water helps to achieve the perfect consistency, and the frying process results in a crispy, golden exterior. This recipe is a wonderful representation of Russian cuisine, and the patties can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please the palate.
Enhance Your Russian Burgers (Kotlety) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Russian Burgers
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Russian Burgers
Why trust this Russian Burgers (Kotlety) Recipe:
This recipe for Russian burgers, known as kotlety, is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations. The combination of ground pork, onion, and garlic creates a flavorful and juicy patty. The addition of bread crumbs and egg helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a perfect texture. The use of vegetable oil for frying ensures a crispy exterior. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe, as it captures the essence of Russian cuisine and will surely delight your taste buds.
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