Main Course

Pljeskavica

Name: Pljeskavica
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: balkan
Ingredients: 400 g ground beef lean; 200 g ground pork; 0.5 pcs yellow onion grated; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp paprika sweet; 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp oil for cooking

Pljeskavica is a traditional Balkan grilled meat patty made from a mixture of ground meats and seasoned with various spices. It's often served in a flatbread with fresh vegetables and condiments. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to making this flavorful dish at home.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 465 kcal

Gluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

400 gground beef, lean
200 gground pork
0.5 pcsyellow onion, grated
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 tsppaprika, sweet
0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 tspsalt
0.5 tspbaking soda
2 tbspwater
2 tbspoil, for cooking

Equipment

grater · skillet · large bowl · grill pan

The method

Step by step

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, grated yellow onion, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed for consistent flavor.
2
Dissolve the baking soda in the water and add it to the meat mixture. This helps tenderize the patties.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Do not skip the baking soda, it's key for the traditional texture.
3
Mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand for about 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Overmixing can make the patties tough, but ensure everything is just combined.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: The longer the rest, the more flavorful and cohesive your patties will be.
5
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a flat, round patty, about 1.5 cm thick and 10-12 cm in diameter.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while forming the patties.
6
Heat the oil in a large skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If grilling, ensure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
7
Cook the pljeskavica patties for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply browned and cooked through.
About 14 min
Cook’s note: Adjust cooking time based on thickness and desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F).
8
Serve hot, typically in a lepinja (Balkan flatbread) with chopped onions, ajvar, and kajmak.
Cook’s note: Experiment with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Per serving

Nutrition

45%Score

Calories: 465kcal
Protein: 26.2g
Carbs: 4.1g
Fat: 38.2g
Fibre: 0.8g
Sugar: 1.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pljeskavica in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in a microwave.