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Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties)

Serbian · Lunch · Easy

Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties)

Total
1 hr 37 min
Prep
1 hr 25 min
Serves
4
Calories
470
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Broad, juicy beef-and-pork patties pick up a dark grilled crust, with onion and paprika worked into the meat for a Serbian street-food lunch.

Mixing and resting the meat gives Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties) a cohesive texture without breadcrumbs or eggs. The patties are wider and thinner than many burgers, so a hot cooking surface can brown them before the middle dries out.

Use ground meat with enough fat to stay juicy. Finely minced onion seasons this Serbian grill favorite throughout; large onion chunks make the patties split as you turn them.

SavorySmokyGrillStreet FoodGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-proteinLow-carbKeto

Method

  1. Mix ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, paprika, baking soda, cold water, salt and black pepper by hand for until slightly tacky. Cover and refrigerate for .

  2. Divide into four portions and shape into broad patties about 6 inches across and 1/2 inch thick. Smooth the edges so there are no deep cracks.

  3. Heat a grill to medium-high or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush patties with vegetable oil and cook for , turning once, until deeply browned and 160°F in the center.

  4. Rest for before serving. Keep the browned juices with the patties when transferring them to plates.

Forkue tips

  • Serve with chopped raw onion, ajvar and flatbread if you want a sandwich; those additions are separate from the nutrition estimate.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a skillet with a spoonful of water, then uncover briefly to dry the surface.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

470Calories
31gProtein
5gCarbs
36gFat

Photo: Biso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties): FAQ

Why does the meat need resting?

Resting lets the salt and mixing bind the meat so thin patties hold together on the grill. It also distributes the onion and seasoning more evenly.

Can I make pljeskavica without pork?

Yes. Use beef with about 20% fat rather than a very lean grind. The flavor will change, but the patties can still stay juicy and cohesive.

How do I store and reheat Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties)?

Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a skillet with a spoonful of water, then uncover briefly to dry the surface.

How long does Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties) take?

About 1 hr 37 min in total: 1 hr 25 min prep and 12 min cooking.

What do I need to make Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties)?

The key ingredients are ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, paprika and baking soda, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Patties)?

Serve with chopped raw onion, ajvar and flatbread if you want a sandwich; those additions are separate from the nutrition estimate.

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