Pljeskavica (Serbian Burger) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

Here’s A Meaty Pljeskavica Recipe to Make a Traditional Balkan Burger!

If you’re looking for a hearty taste of the Balkans, pljeskavica may be for you. Made from a simple blend of ground meat and spices, pljeskavica is considered one of Serbia’s national dishes.

And while this dish is traditionally Serbian, these days – like many other foods in the Balkans – pljeskavica is made and enjoyed in other countries in the region such as Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It’s typically eaten on a plate with other condiments and sides, or on a flatbread (known as Lepinja) with a hearty dose of ajvar, onion, and tomato.

Interestingly enough, there are a number of variations of the recipe, depending on the region where it is made.

For example, spicy onions or other meats may be added. In one variation, the meat patty is stuffed with kačkavaljcheese!

Ingredients

To make these Balkan burgers, here are the pljeskavica ingredients that you will need. There are not too many – just some meat, onion, and spices!

• Mix of ground beef and pork – The main ingredient; use good quality meat if possible.
• Onion – A yellow onion to add depth of flavor.
• Garlic clove – Minced garlic to add flavor to the meat.
• Paprika – To add flavor.
• Salt – To enhance the flavors.
• Black pepper – To add a mild heat and flavor.
• Sparkling water – To make the meat tender and juicy.
• Oil – To fry the pljeskavice.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

Before you make this pljeskavica recipe, have a good read through these tips and substitutions so that you know just what to expect when you make it at home!

• If you can’t find ground beef and pork mix at the store, just use 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground pork and mix it with the other ingredients.
• Pljeskavica is typically seasoned with salt, black pepper and paprika, but you could also add other spices depending on your taste.
• Shape the meat into thin, evenly-sized patties. This will allow the meat to cook evenly.
• Make sure the meat is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t overcook the patties as this can dry out the meat.
• Instead of pan-frying, you can also grill the meat patties.

How to Make Pljeskavica – Step by Step Instructions

In this section, we’ll visually show you how to make this Serbian burger. We’ve included all the recipe process photos so that you can see the process unfold as you cook at home.

If you’d like to see the recipe card for this recipe, you can find it at the bottom of this post!

In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed ground beef and pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper and sparkling water.

Mix everything together using your clean hands.

Divide the mixture into 4 balls.

Use your hands to shape the balls into patties. Pljeskavica patties are thinner than regular burgers. The size of your patties should be about 6 inches in diameter.

Heat oil in a skillet and fry each patty for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Make sure the meat is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t overcook the patties as this can dry out the meat.

Serve the pljeskavica with fresh Lepinja bread (orpita bread), sliced red or yellow onion,ajvar,and fresh tomatoes. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover pljeskavice, store them in a sealed container or wrapped in foil in the fridge. Eat within 2 days.

To reheat the burgers, we recommend either a pan over medium heat with a bit of oil or the air fryer.

FAQ

Here are some answers to questions about pljeskavica!

Related Recipes

For more amazing Balkan recipes, check out these classics from around the region:

• Cevapi (Balkan Sausages)
• Shopska Salad
• North Macedonian Pizza (Pastrmajlija)
• Bulgarian Tarator (Cold Soup)
• Spinach-Cheese Borek Recipe