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Juicy Serbian Pljeskavica Burger Recipe Easy Homemade Bold Flavor

Serbian Pljeskavica burger recipe - featured image

A flavorful and juicy Serbian Pljeskavica burger made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with paprika, garlic, and spices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ pound (225g) ground pork
  • 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sunflower oil (for grilling)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 4 burger buns, lightly toasted (traditional white or brioche)
  • Optional toppings: ajvar (red pepper relish), sliced onions, fresh tomatoes, kajmak cheese

Instructions

  1. Finely grate or mince the onion and garlic (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, and parsley if using. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overwork (about 10 minutes).
  3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 5 ounces or 140g each). Shape each into a flat, round patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging (about 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking (about 5 minutes).
  5. Place patties on the grill or pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until a nice crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) (8-10 minutes).
  6. While burgers cook, lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Assemble burgers by placing patties on toasted buns and topping with ajvar, sliced onions, tomatoes, or kajmak cheese as desired. Serve immediately.
  8. Let burgers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep burgers tender. Grate the onion to add moisture and flavor. Make a thumb indentation in patties to prevent bulging. Let burgers rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Toast buns while burgers cook. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns; for dairy-free, avoid kajmak cheese. Adjust spice level by adding chili flakes if desired.

Nutrition

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