Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Turkey with these irresistible Keftikas that will make your family beg for seconds! These juicy, flavor-packed meat patties are not just a meal—they're a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary Sunday supper into an extraordinary dining experience. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef patties with a golden-brown crust that locks in all the aromatic spices of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cover the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape into oval or round patties, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure each patty is evenly formed and compact.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the keftikas in the hot pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Ensure they develop a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the keftikas from the pan and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve hot with traditional accompaniments like rice pilaf, fresh salad, yogurt sauce, or warm pita bread.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful Keftikas, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (around 15-20%) to ensure juiciness.
- Don't skip the resting time in the refrigerator—this crucial step helps the ingredients meld and makes the patties easier to shape.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, but avoid overworking the meat, which can make the keftikas tough.
- Ensure your pan is properly heated before cooking to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked keftikas.
- Let the keftikas rest after cooking to retain their juices and ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
