meat

grilled

everyday

main course

juicy

Balkan

all seasons

Hot

Pljeskavica (Balkan Grilled Meat Patty)

Name: Pljeskavica (Balkan Grilled Meat Patty)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 800 g ground beef and pork mixture (70% beef, 30% pork); 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp cooking oil (for grilling/frying)

Difficulty

easy

Time

40m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Pljeskavica is an iconic Balkan dish, a spiced, grilled meat patty that is one of the region's most beloved street foods and restaurant staples. Traditionally made from ground beef, pork, or lamb, often mixed, and seasoned with characteristic spices. It's a perfect choice for a hearty lunch or dinner, especially if you love grilled flavors and rich, meaty dishes. Prepare this authentic dish at home and bring the flavors of the Balkans to your kitchen!

ingredients

4 Servings

800 g ground beef and pork mixture (70% beef, 30% pork)1 medium onion, finely grated or minced3 cloves garlic, minced1 tbsp sweet paprika1 tsp salt0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper0.5 tsp baking soda2 tbsp cooking oil (for grilling/frying)

Steps

Prepare Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground meat with the grated onion, minced garlic, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Knead the mixture for at least 5-7 minutes until it becomes sticky and homogenous. This helps the patties hold together and become juicier. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-3 hours, or even overnight.

Shape Patties

Remove the meat mixture from the fridge. Divide it into four equal portions. With wet hands, form them into large, flat patties, about 1.5-2 cm thick (approx. 15-20 cm in diameter). Don't worry if they're not perfectly round; a rustic shape is part of their charm.

Grill/Fry

Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat and brush with a little oil. Place the pljeskavicas on it and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they have a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the patties and your desired doneness.

Serve

Remove the cooked pljeskavicas from the grill or pan and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot and fresh with traditional Balkan sides such as finely chopped raw onion, ajvar, kajmak, or a fresh salad.

Extra Tips

► Pljeskavica will be even more delicious if you let the meat mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight.

► Serve with fresh lepinja (Balkan flatbread), finely chopped onions, ajvar, and kajmak for the full experience.

► If you don't have a grill, you can also fry them in a pan over medium-high heat until nicely golden brown and cooked through.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 200g / 7 oz
Calories	280 kcal	560 kcal
Protein	20g	40g
Fat	20g	40g
Carbohydrate	3g	6g
Fiber	1g	2g
Sugar	1g	2g

Download

App Store