Name: Honest Ground Meat Cutlet in Breadcrumbs – A Classic Like Grandma's
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5 portions
Cuisine: Slovak
Ingredients: 700 g Ground meat; 1 KS Onion; 2 strúčik Garlic; 1 KS Egg; 3 PL Breadcrumbs; 1 PL Dijon mustard; 1 ČL Sweet red paprika; 1/2 ČL Marjoram; 1/2 ČL Ground caraway; 1 ČL Salt; 2 štipka Ground black pepper; 2 PL Milk

Instructions

Meat mixture

In a bowl, mix the meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, paprika, marjoram, (caraway), salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix just enough to combine (do not overmix).

Shaping

With damp hands, shape 8–10 thinner patties (Ø ~10 cm, thickness ~1 cm). Place on a tray, cover, and chill for 20 minutes – the mixture will firm up and be easier to bread.

Breading

Gradually coat each piece in flour → egg → breadcrumbs. Do not press the breadcrumbs too hard, let the coating be airy.

Frying

Heat oil/butter to 170–175 °C (medium-deep frying pan). Fry the cutlets in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden. Place on a rack or paper to drain excess fat.

Serving

Serve with porridge/salad, a slice of lemon, and pickles.

Linduška's TIP

You can add 1 tablespoon of ketchup to the meat mixture for a mild sweetness and juiciness. If you want to enhance the crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs or double breading (egg → breadcrumbs → egg → breadcrumbs).