Bitochki

Delight in the comforting flavors of traditional Russian cuisine with this bitochki recipe—a savory blend of ground beef and pork shaped into tender, juicy patties. Infused with the softness of milk-soaked bread and the subtle aroma of finely chopped onion, these golden, breadcrumb-coated patties are pan-fried to crispy perfection and then gently finished to a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, bitochki are perfect for a cozy family dinner or an authentic cultural experience. Serve these hearty patties with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a dollop of tangy sour cream to elevate your meal with a burst of rich, savory flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 2 slices white bread
• 100 milliliters milk
• 1 medium onion
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 100 grams breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Place the slices of white bread into a bowl and pour in the milk. Let the bread soak for 5 minutes, then squeeze out the excess milk and set aside.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion. You can also grate it for a finer texture.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread, chopped onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4

With damp hands, shape the mixture into small oval patties, approximately 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. You should have about 12-15 bitochki.

Step 5

Place the breadcrumbs on a plate. Lightly roll each patty in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed.

Step 7

Fry the bitochki for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for another 5-7 minutes to ensure the patties are thoroughly cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the bitochki from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve warm, either on their own or paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or a dollop of sour cream for a traditional Russian touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1210.3 grams (1210.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2609

Total Fat 158.10g	203%
Saturated Fat 59.60g	298%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.10g
Cholesterol 808mg	269%
Sodium 2510mg	109%
Total Carbohydrate 127.10g	46%
Dietary Fiber 7.20g	26%
Total Sugars 22.30g
Protein 180.00g	360%

Vitamin D 99IU	496%
Calcium 470mg	36%
Iron 18mg	101%
Potassium 1754mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.7%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 19.2%