Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delightfully crispy minced cutlets. A beloved Polish classic, these savory meat patties are sure to transport you back to your grandmother's kitchen with their irresistible golden crust and juicy, flavorful interior.
Preparation Details
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 2 cutlets
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 28g
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Detailed Method of Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a flat, oval patty, approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch (6 mm) of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, carefully add the cutlets to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the minced cutlets hot, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Let the cooked cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- For extra crispiness, coat the patties in breadcrumbs before frying.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more or less salt, pepper, or paprika.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake these cutlets instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q: Can I use a combination of ground beef and pork?
A: Absolutely! Using a mix of ground meats adds depth of flavor and tenderness to the cutlets.
Q: Can I make these cutlets in advance?
A: While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cutlets in advance and reheat them in the oven or a skillet until heated through.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of these crispy minced cutlets, a beloved Polish classic that will transport you to cherished family gatherings with each delightful bite. Serve them alongside your favorite sides or simply enjoy them on their own for a satisfying and nostalgic meal.