Juicy Turkey Kotleti Recipe

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite cozy recipes Juicy Turkey Kotleti! These tender little patties are inspired by a classic Eastern European dish that’s usually made with pork. But guess what? We’re using ground turkey to keep it lighter and still super tasty. These kotleti are perfect for Christmas dinner, a family get-together, or just a warm, comforting meal on a chilly evening. Let’s get cooking!

Method

Soak the Breadcrumbs

Start by preparing the breadcrumb mixture. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of plain breadcrumbs with ½ cup of milk. Stir it together and let it sit for a few minutes. This soaking step is important because it softens the breadcrumbs, which helps the kotleti stay moist and tender on the inside. You’ll know it’s ready when the breadcrumbs have soaked up the milk and the mixture looks thick and mushy.

Mix the Meat

Next, in a large mixing bowl, add your ground turkey (2 lbs), grated onion (from 1 medium onion), two eggs, 1½ teaspoons of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Vegeta seasoning (or another all-purpose seasoning you like). Now, add in the breadcrumb and milk mixture you made earlier. Using your clean hands, mix everything together really well. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy   mixing by hand helps all the ingredients come together evenly. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky and you’re having trouble shaping it, sprinkle in a little more dry breadcrumbs, just a tablespoon at a time. Once the texture feels firmer, let the whole mixture rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it hold its shape better when forming the patties.

Shape the Kotleti

After the mixture has rested, it’s time to shape your kotleti. Grab an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to portion out even amounts of the meat mixture. Drop each scoop directly into a bowl filled with extra breadcrumbs. Gently coat each side by patting and flipping it in the crumbs. Once coated, carefully shape it into an oval form using your hands. Don’t press too hard or flatten them too much you want them to keep their soft, pillowy shape. Place each formed kotleta onto a flat plate or board while you finish shaping the rest.

Cook Them Up

Now it’s time to cook! Pour enough canola oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom with about ¼ inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, gently place a few kotleti into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully once the bottom is golden brown. The kotleti should be cooked through with a crispy crust on the outside and juicy on the inside. Use a food thermometer if you want to be sure the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Drain and Serve

As each batch finishes cooking, transfer the kotleti to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving. They’re now perfectly golden, tender, and ready to be enjoyed!

Necessary Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make these kotleti:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Grater (for the onion)
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon
• Frying pan or skillet
• Spatula or tongs
• Paper towels
• Flat board or plate

Serving Suggestions

These juicy kotleti go great with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fresh side salad (like cucumber and tomato)
• Steamed veggies
• Rice or buckwheat
• Cranberry sauce for a holiday twist!

Want to make it extra special? Add a little dollop of sour cream on top!

Fun Fact

Did you know the word kotleti comes from the French word côtelette, which means a small cutlet or patty? This dish has traveled from France to Russia and beyond and now into your kitchen!

Conclusion

And there you have it my juicy turkey kotleti recipe, easy and so delicious! These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patties are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just a simple weeknight meal, kotleti bring comfort and joy to the table. Give them a try, and let me know how your family likes them!