If you’re craving something wonderfully comforting, juicy, and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—lean turkey and rich pork—to create patties that are tender, aromatic, and utterly addictive. The combination of simple ingredients like fresh onion, parsley, and a hint of garlic makes these patties delightfully savory and perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. You’re going to fall head over heels for how easy and satisfying it is to make this classic Russian favorite right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in perfecting these patties. From the moisture-rich grated onion to the delicate balance of spices and fresh herbs, every component contributes to the texture, flavor, and beautiful color of your Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe.
- 1 lb ground pork: Adds juicy richness and a wonderful meaty flavor that balances perfectly with turkey.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Provides lean protein and keeps the patties light yet satisfying.
- 1 medium onion (grated): Infuses moisture and subtle sweetness, ensuring the patties stay tender.
- 1/2 cup white bread crumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the patties from falling apart.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold patties together while adding richness.
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley: Offers fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mix without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a gentle garlicky warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a slight tang for extra juicy patties.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it provides a nice crisp exterior and a subtle fruity note.
How to Make Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by grating your onion using the large holes of a box grater. This method helps the onion melt beautifully into the meat mixture, releasing moisture without leaving big chunks. Finely chop fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous quality that lifts the flavor profile of the patties.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl—if you have a KitchenAid Mixer, even better!—combine both ground meats, grated onion, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix everything gently on a low speed setting (around #3) until just combined; if you don’t have a mixer, mix carefully by hand to ensure everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
Step 3: Shape Those Patties
Use an ice cream scoop to portion out even amounts of meat mixture, which helps your patties cook consistently. You’ll get roughly 20 patties from this recipe. Shape each into a small round patty but remember—avoid flattening them too much once they’re on the skillet, as pressing will cause delicious juices to escape, resulting in drier patties.
Step 4: Sauté Until Golden Brown
Heat about 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the patties in batches so they aren’t overcrowded, and cook them until they are beautifully browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Flip patties a couple of times during cooking to avoid burning and promote even crust formation.
Step 5: Finish Baking for Juicy Perfection
Once pan-fried, transfer the patties to a glass baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and slide it into a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 10 minutes, which helps finish cooking inside while keeping the patties tender and moist. This step elevates your Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe

Garnishes
Adding a little something extra on top really makes these patties pop. Try freshly chopped parsley or dill for a fresh herbaceous note. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Russian-style mustard adds creaminess and tang that balances the rich meat beautifully.
Side Dishes
These patties pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic boiled or mashed potatoes are comforting options that soak up every bit of flavor. For a lighter choice, serve alongside a crisp cabbage slaw or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your patties stacked with layers of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. Or present them on mini skewers as bite-sized appetizers. Even topping them with a quick homemade tomato relish can add a tangy contrast that brings your Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an excellent next-day meal option that reheats beautifully without losing moisture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these patties on hand for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Place cooled patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture, or warm them in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use all turkey or all pork instead of combining both?
Absolutely! Using all turkey will make the patties leaner and lighter, but they could be less juicy. All pork will increase fat content and richness. Combining both meats gives you the best balance of flavor and texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to maintain moisture. Either will add a nice tang and keep the patties juicy without changing the flavor too much.
Can I bake the patties without pan-frying first?
While baking alone is possible, pan-frying first develops a beautiful brown crust that adds depth to the flavor and texture. If you skip this, the patties may cook but won’t have that signature crisp exterior.
What can I serve with these patties to stay true to traditional Russian flavors?
Serve with boiled potatoes or buckwheat kasha, a drizzle of sour cream, and pickled vegetables like cucumbers or beets to enhance the authentic taste experience of the Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart while cooking?
Using bread crumbs and egg as binders is key, and gently mixing ensures the meat doesn’t become tough. Also, avoid pressing the patties down while cooking to keep the juices inside and maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen adventures. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and adaptable to your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these patties promise a delicious, heartwarming meal that everyone will love. Give it a go, and enjoy every bite!
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Russian Katleti Recipe (Turkey and Pork Patties) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings (approximately 20 patties)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
Russian Katleti are deliciously juicy turkey and pork patties flavored with onion, garlic, and parsley. These pan-fried and oven-baked patties are perfect as a hearty main dish, combining tender ground meats with aromatic spices for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion (grated)
- 1/2 cup white bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
Cooking
- Olive oil (about 4 Tbsp, plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the onion using the large holes of a box grater to release moisture and flavor. Finely chop the parsley to evenly distribute its fresh taste throughout the patties.
- Mix Meat and Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and turkey with bread crumbs, grated onion, parsley, salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, egg, and mayonnaise. Mix well on a low speed using a Kitchen Aid mixer or by hand until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Use an ice cream scoop to measure out even portions of the meat mixture and form into patties. This recipe yields approximately 20 patties. Avoid flattening them further once placed on the skillet to keep them juicy.
- Sauté Patties: Heat about 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Cook the patties, turning them twice to brown evenly on both sides. Each side should take about 3 minutes until golden and crisp, ensuring they do not burn.
- Bake Patties: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Transfer the sautéed patties to a glass baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10 minutes to finish cooking through and meld flavors.
Notes
- Do not flatten patties during frying to retain juices and prevent dryness.
- Using an ice cream scoop ensures uniform patty size and consistent cooking.
- Mayonnaise adds moisture and helps bind the mixture for tender patties.
- Adjust olive oil quantity as needed to prevent sticking while sautéing.
- Let the patties rest briefly after baking for best texture before serving.

