How to Make Kotteti (Russian Meat Patties) – A Hearty, Traditional Recipe

 

If you're craving a delicious, protein-packed dish that’s simple, satisfying and bursting with homely flavour, look no further than Kotteti. Also known as kotlety, these traditional Russian-style meat patties are a staple across Eastern Europe. Juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside, they’re made with minced meat, soaked bread, onion, and spices—then pan-fried to perfection.

In this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how to make kotteti from scratch using ingredients that are easy to find in the UK. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or just want to try something different, this authentic recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

📌 What Are Kotteti?

Kotteti (котлеты in Russian) are not cutlets in the British sense—they’re more like flattened meatballs or patties. Made from minced meat (typically beef, pork or a mix), they’re soft and juicy thanks to the addition of soaked bread and finely grated onion. They’re quick to prepare, cook beautifully in a frying pan, and pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, buckwheat, or vegetables.

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🛒 Ingredients for Kotteti

For the meat patties:

500g minced beef or pork (or 50/50 mix)

1 medium onion, finely grated

2 slices of white bread, crusts removed

100ml milk or water (to soak the bread)

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ tsp paprika or dried herbs (optional)

For coating and frying:

100g plain flour or breadcrumbs (for coating)

2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

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🥄 How to Make Kotteti – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak the Bread

Tear the white bread into pieces and soak it in the milk or water for 5–10 minutes until soft. Squeeze out excess liquid gently.

Step 2: Make the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, grated onion, crushed garlic (if using), soaked bread, egg, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a spoon until the mixture is smooth and sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Wet your hands with cold water and form the mixture into oval or round patties, about the size of your palm. You should get around 10–12 kotteti from this recipe.

Step 4: Coat the Kotteti

Lightly coat each patty in plain flour or breadcrumbs. This gives them a crisp, golden crust when fried.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the patties and fry for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches. Keep warm in a low oven if needed.

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🍽️ How to Serve Kotteti

Kotteti are traditionally served hot with:

Mashed potatoes and pickles

Buckwheat or rice

Steamed vegetables or cabbage salad

A dollop of sour cream or tomato sauce

They also make great leftovers and can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches or wraps.

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👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips

For extra tenderness, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or cream to the mixture.

Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough.

Make them ahead – the mixture can be refrigerated for a few hours to develop more flavour.

Baked version: You can bake the patties at 180°C for 20–25 minutes if you prefer less oil.

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🔍 

How to make kotteti

Russian meat patties recipe

Traditional kotlety recipe

Homemade minced meat patties

Easy Eastern European recipes

Frying kotteti step-by-step

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📝 Final Thoughts

Kotteti are a brilliant example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious. Whether you’re exploring Russian cuisine for the first time or rediscovering an old favourite, these patties are sure to earn a place in your regular meal rotation. They’re comforting, easy to make, and endlessly versatile.

Give this traditional kotteti recipe a try and bring a little Slavic soul to your dinner table!

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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