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Piftele (Homemade Fried Meat Patties)

A Romanian favorite, piftele made with lean ground turkey and pork. Delicious any time of year and easy to make and freeze.

Category
Main Dishes
SERVING SIZE
12 people
Time
30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground turkey, oats, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley or dill, and milk. Mix the ingredients gently with clean hands or a sturdy wooden spoon. The oats will help absorb moisture, keeping the patties tender, while the milk and egg bind everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense instead of light. The mixture should be slightly sticky but still easy to shape.

Step 2. Shape the patties.
Divide the meat mixture evenly into 10–12 portions, depending on the size you prefer. Roll each portion into a ball, then press gently between your palms to flatten into patties about ½ inch thick. For uniform cooking, try to keep them all roughly the same size. Place the patties on a tray or plate and let them rest for a few minutes while you heat the oil—this helps them hold their shape better during frying.

Step 3. Cook the patties.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan in a single layer, leaving space between them. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown, crisp on the edges, and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed to maintain even browning.

Step 4. Serve.
Transfer the patties to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. These patties also taste wonderful chilled—perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or tucked into sandwiches and wraps.

RATINGS

This is a recipe by
Viorica Marincus
View all my recipes

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