Taste the Balkans: Your Guide to an Authentic Pljeskavica Burger Recipe

Grilled Pljeskavica is a classic dish originating from the Balkan region, cherished by enthusiasts of hearty and delicious cuisine alike. These juicy minced meat patties, seasoned with an array of flavors and herbs, are traditionally prepared on a grill, imparting an irresistible smoky aroma. 

Pljeskavica is a popular street food dish across the Balkans, often served with fresh bread, Ajvar (a pepper-garlic sauce), and other accompaniments. Its rich history and unmatched taste make grilled Pljeskavica a culinary experience worth savoring. Here, I present the original recipe for Pljeskavica, delving into its cultural influences and providing insights into how this delectable dish is prepared. Let's explore the authentic flavors of the Balkans through this beloved recipe.

Ingredients

• 500g pork meat
• 500g beef meat
• 20g salt
• 1g baking soda
• 1 tsp pepper

You can certainly use pre-ground meat for making Pljeskavica, but it's better to buy fresh meat and grind it yourself.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is added to the meat mixture to help tenderize the meat and improve its texture. It works by raising the pH level, which allows the proteins in the meat to break down more easily, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.

Here's how to make Authentic Pljeskavica Burgers!

1. Cut the meat into cubes. Dice the onion and finely chop the garlic. Add salt, pepper, and baking soda.
2. Grind the meat mixture using a meat grinder, first with the coarse grinding plate and then with the fine grinding plate. Cover the ground meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
3. After the 24-hour rest period, knead the meat mixture by hand for 10 minutes. Shape the mixture into round patties, each weighing approximately 250g.
4. Traditionally, grill the Pljeskavica on a charcoal grill over direct heat for about 8 minutes, until crispy on the outside. For extra flavor and juiciness, brush the meat with some beef broth while grilling.
5. Serve the grilled Pljeskavica with French fries and salad, or as a Pljeskavica burger in Lepinja bread, spread with Kajmak or Ajvar sauce, fresh onions, and a bit of cabbage.

The Pljeskavica burger offers a delightful explosion of flavors. Juicy beef and pork patties, seasoned with a blend of spices including salt, pepper, and aromatic onions and garlic, deliver a rich and balanced taste. Nestled within soft and airy Lepinja bread, the burger harmonizes textures, while creamy Kajmak or savory Ajvar sauce enhances the meat's succulence. Fresh onions and crisp cabbage provide a refreshing contrast, completing this savory and satisfying Balkan culinary experience.

Pljeskavica Burger Recipe on YouTube

Activate the subtitle function and check out the video for the recipe on my YouTube channel.