Kadinbudu Köfte
Introduction
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Kadinbudu Köfte is a beloved Turkish meatball made with seasoned ground beef, rice, onion, and fresh herbs. The patties are lightly coated in flour and egg before being pan-fried until beautifully golden. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy golden coating
Tender and flavorful center
Delicious Turkish-inspired flavors
Easy to prepare
Perfect for lunch or dinner
Great served hot or at room temperature
Ingredients
500 g ground beef
½ cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon paprika
For Coating
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add half of the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
3. Add half of the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the remaining raw ground beef, cooked rice, remaining onion, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and one egg.
6. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
8. Shape the mixture into oval, slightly flattened patties.
9. Coat each patty lightly in flour.
10. Dip each one into the beaten eggs, making sure it is completely coated.
11. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
12. Fry the köfte in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
Chilling the mixture makes the köfte easier to shape.
Don’t make the patties too thick so they cook evenly.
Use cooked rice that has cooled before mixing it with the meat.
Fry over medium heat to prevent the coating from browning too quickly.
Avoid overcrowding the pan so each köfte becomes evenly golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kadinbudu Köfte with a fresh Turkish salad, yogurt sauce, roasted vegetables, rice, or crispy potatoes. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of greens make a simple and delicious accompaniment.
Conclusion
Kadinbudu Köfte combines tender seasoned beef, soft rice, aromatic herbs, and a crispy golden coating in one delicious Turkish classic. It’s an impressive yet approachable recipe that makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.