Kotlet Mielony (Polish Ground Meat Cutlet)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g Ground pork and beef mixture(A 50/50 mix is traditional, but feel free to adjust to your preference.)
• 1 medium Day-old bread roll or white bread(Soaked in water or milk and squeezed dry. This adds moisture and tenderness.)
• 1 large Egg(Acts as a binder.)
• 1 medium Onion(Finely minced or grated for best integration.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground is best, or to taste.)
• 50 g All-purpose flour(For dredging.)
• 2 large Eggs(For the egg wash.)
• 150 g Breadcrumbs(Panko or regular breadcrumbs for coating. You might need slightly more.)
• 3-4 tablespoons Vegetable oil or lard(For frying.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and beef. Squeeze the soaked bread roll very well to remove excess liquid, then crumble it into the meat. Add the minced onion, 1 egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties tough.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   Form the patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a flattened oval or round patty, about 1.5-2 cm (about 0.5-0.75 inch) thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent them from puffing up unevenly during cooking.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Set up the breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, whisk the 2 eggs in another shallow dish, and put the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Dredge each patty first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the patty firmly into the breadcrumbs, coating both sides evenly. Set the breaded patties aside on a plate.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Fry the kotlety: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in. Carefully place the breaded patties into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (fry in batches if necessary). Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 71°C (160°F).

   ⏱️ 10-15 minutes
5. 5

   Drain and serve: Remove the cooked kotlety from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes and a side of pickled cucumbers (ogórki kiszone) or a simple salad.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Soaking the bread roll is crucial for a moist and tender kotlet.
• ✓Finely mincing or grating the onion ensures it integrates well without large chunks.
• ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even browning and crispiness.
• ✓Serve with traditional Polish sides like mashed potatoes, dill sauce, or pickled vegetables.

🔄 Variations

• Use only ground beef for a leaner version.
• Add finely chopped fresh dill or parsley to the meat mixture.
• Incorporate a small piece of cheese in the center of the patty before breading.
• For a richer flavor, use a mix of pork, beef, and veal.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving