These Hungarian-style crispy meat patties, known as Fasírt, are a comforting and flavorful dish made with seasoned ground meat, soft bread, and aromatic spices. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fasírt is simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy meat, subtle spices, and a golden crust makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also versatile—you can serve it with potatoes, rice, or even in sandwiches. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it a great everyday recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and chicken)
2 slices white bread
100 ml milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
Oil for frying
Directions
Soak the white bread in milk for about 5 minutes until softened, then squeeze out excess liquid.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the mixture into oval or round patties using your hands.
Lightly coat each patty in breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the patties for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
You can substitute part of the meat with ground chicken for a lighter version. Adding finely grated carrot or zucchini gives extra moisture and nutrition. For a spicier taste, include a pinch of chili flakes. You can also bake the patties in the oven at 180°C for about 25 minutes instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 160°C until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated directly from frozen.
FAQs
Can I bake Fasírt instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place them on a lined baking tray and bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes.
What type of meat works best?
A mix of beef and chicken provides a juicy and flavorful result, but you can use either one alone.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs.
Why is my mixture too soft?
It may have too much moisture. Add a bit more breadcrumbs to firm it up.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs, which act as binders.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What sides go well with Fasírt?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad pair very well.
Can I freeze uncooked patties?
Yes, shape them and freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag.
How do I know they are fully cooked?
They should be golden brown outside and no longer pink inside.
Can I add cheese inside the patties?
Yes, placing a small cube of cheese inside creates a delicious surprise.
Conclusion
Hungarian-style crispy meat patties are a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether fried or baked, they deliver a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Hungarian-style Fasírt are crispy, golden meat patties with a tender, flavorful interior made from seasoned ground meat and softened bread. A comforting and versatile dish perfect for everyday meals.
Ingredients
500 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and chicken)
2 slices white bread
100 ml milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
oil for frying
Instructions
Soak the bread in milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid.
In a bowl, combine ground meat, soaked bread, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the mixture into oval or round patties.
Coat each patty lightly in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Fry patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute part of the meat with chicken for a lighter version.
Add grated vegetables like carrot or zucchini for extra moisture.
Bake at 180°C for 25 minutes as a healthier alternative.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked or uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture.
