This is a classic Russian recipe that’s very simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and meal prep. Kotleti is also very popular with kids! Think of a Russian version of chicken nuggets. Our Keto Russian Kotleti has two different versions depending on your taste. The first recipe uses keto bread and the second recipe uses zucchini (courgette) instead of traditional bread crumbs.
Traditional (With Keto Breadcrumbs)
For the traditional version we use the keto bread, such as the Carbonaut low carb bread (found at Costco and Sobeys here in Canada). First toast the bread and shred it with your hands or a food processor. Let the bread soak in heavy whipping cream or water for about 10 minutes.
The key to this recipe is to use grated onion (not diced). This enhances the flavor of the kotleti so much. Please do this instead of dicing the onion.
Kotleti with Zucchini (Top), Kotleti with Breadcrumbs (Bottom)
Once the bread has soaked, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Use a 1/4 cup to portion out the kotleti and form into a meat patty. Fry in neutral oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Zucchini (Courgette)
Probably my favorite way to make Keto Russian Kotleti is to use grated zucchini instead of breadcrumbs. This version takes a bit longer to prepare but it’s worth it! Zucchini (aka Courgette) is a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. Zucchini is also naturally low in carbs, with only 3g of carbs per 100 grams.
To prepare the zucchini, finely grate 1 medium zucchini. Salt the grated zucchini (this will help draw out the moisture) and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You will probably need to repeat this about 3-4 times. I generally use a few kitchen towels for this process.
Once the zucchini is as dry as possible, add the grated zucchini in a large mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients. Thoroughly combine and use a 1/4 cup to evenly scoop out the mixture. Form into a meat patty and fry with neutral oil until both sides are golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Makes about 9 kotleti.
Meal Prep
I love making this during busy weeknights. To save time I usually prepare some of the filling in advance. I generally grate the zucchini 1-2 nights before cooking the kotleti. Once I’ve grated the zucchini, I leave it wrapped tightly in a kitchen towel with some salt. This helps to draw out some of the moisture so you don’t need to put in as much work. I also generally prepare the filling the night before. This allows the flavors to marinate and also saves time. Doing this prep work in advance means that all you need to do is scoop and fry the kotleti! It’s a great and healthy option for those busy weeknights. Kotleti also keeps really well in the fridge for 3-4 days. They make the perfect leftovers for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Keto Russian Kotleti (With Keto Bread)
Ingredients
Keto Russian Kotleti (With Keto Bread), Makes 9 Kotleti
- 1 lbs Medium Ground Pork Or Any Ground Meat of Your Choice; Pork or Ground Chicken
- 1 Slice of Carbonaut Keto Bread Or Any Low Carb Keto Bread of Your Choice.
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Onion Grated.
- 2-3 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced.
- 1/2 Tsp Salt To Taste.
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper To Taste.
- Oil For Frying. I use about 2/3 of a cup of oil for frying. The kotleti generally absorb about 2-4 tbsp of the oil.
Keto Russian Kotleti (With Zucchini), Makes 9 Kotleti
- 1 Medium Zucchini Approx. 125g. Grated and Well Drained.
- 1/2 Onion Grated.
- 1 Tbsp Mayo
- 1 Egg
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced.
- 1/2 Tsp Salt To Taste.
- 1/4 Tsp Pepper To Taste.
- Oil For Frying. I use about 2/3 of a cup of oil for frying. The kotleti generally absorb about 2-4 tbsp of the oil.
Instructions
Keto Russian Kotleti (With Keto Bread), Makes 9 Kotleti
- Toasted the keto bread and shred with your hands or in a food processor.
- Soak the shredded bread in the heavy whipping cream and allow to sit while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Grate the onion and place in a large mixing bowl. NOTE: To make this recipe taste the best, make sure to grate the onion, not diced.
- Add the ground pork (or meat of your choice), egg, garlic, soaked bread crumbs, salt and pepper to the mixing bowl with the grated onion. Combine thoroughly.
- Using a 1/4 cup, scoop the filling and form into a meat patty. Repeat until all of the kotleti are formed. Make about 9 kotleti.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, fry the kotleti for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 145°F.
- Serve warm with sauce of your choice such as sour cream or ketchup. We like ours with sour cream mixed with sriracha!
Keto Russian Kotleti (With Zucchini), Makes 9 Kotleti
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a kitchen towel. NOTE: You will need to do this a couple of times, until almost completely dry.
- Grate the onion and place in a large mixing bowl. NOTE: To make this recipe taste the best, make sure to grate the onion, not diced.
- Add the ground pork (or meat of your choice), egg, garlic, grated zucchini, salt and pepper to the mixing bowl with the grated onion. Combine thoroughly.
- Using a 1/4 cup, scoop the filling and form into a meat patty. Repeat until all of the kotleti are formed. Make about 9 kotleti.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, fry the kotleti for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 145°F.
- Serve warm with sauce of your choice such as sour cream or ketchup. We like ours with sour cream mixed with sriracha!
- Enjoy!
Notes
- 155 Calories
- 1.4g Carbohydrates
- 0.8g Fiber
- 11.1g Fat
- 9.9g Protein
- 149 Calories
- 1g Carbohydrates
- 0.8g Fiber
- 10.7g Fat
- 9.5g Protein
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve tried our Keto Russian Kotleti. If you’re looking for more keto recipe ideas, visit our recipe page!
