Mongolian Khuushuur-Inspired Lamb and Onion Fritters
These savory fritters are inspired by the beloved Khuushuur, a popular Mongolian fried pastry. Instead of a full pastry, this recipe focuses on a flavorful lamb and onion filling, pan-fried to a golden crisp. They make for a delicious appetizer or a light meal, showcasing the hearty flavors of Mongolian cuisine.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lamb
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Egg
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 100 ml Water
- as needed Vegetable oil, for frying
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
๐ก Tip: Using finely chopped onion ensures it cooks through and sweetens the fritters. - 2
Add the egg to the lamb mixture and mix again until thoroughly combined.
๐ก Tip: The egg acts as a binder for the fritter mixture. - 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water to create a smooth batter. It should be thick but pourable.
๐ก Tip: The batter should be similar in consistency to pancake batter. - 4
Add about half of the batter to the lamb mixture and mix until just combined. You want the lamb mixture to be moist but not overly wet.
๐ก Tip: Adding only half the batter initially allows you to control the consistency better. - 5
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
๐ก Tip: A good amount of oil is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. - 6
Drop spoonfuls of the lamb mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Do not overcrowd the pan.
๐ก Tip: Flattening the fritters helps them cook more evenly. - 7
Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 71ยฐC (160ยฐF).
๐ก Tip: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the lamb cooks completely. - 8
Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
๐ก Tip: Draining on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness. - 9
Serve hot, perhaps with a side of yogurt or a simple salad.
๐ก Tip: These fritters are also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or coriander to the lamb mixture.
- โEnsure the lamb is not too lean; a bit of fat will make the fritters more tender and flavorful.
- โIf the mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour to the batter.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the lamb mixture for added color and nutrients.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the lamb with finely chopped mushrooms and firm tofu.