Hungarian fasírt is a crispy, golden breaded meat patty made with seasoned ground meat, soaked bread, onion, garlic, and paprika. It is shaped like a thick burger, coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried until crunchy on the outside and tender inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients. The Hungarian paprika adds warmth and color, while the breading gives each patty a delicious crispy crust. It is perfect for family dinners, lunch plates, sandwiches, or serving with potatoes, rice, salad, or pickles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fasírt:

500 g ground beef, ground chicken, or a beef and chicken mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 slices white bread, soaked in milk or water, then squeezed dry
1 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp mustard, optional
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional

For breading:

2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs

For frying:

1/2 cup neutral oil, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, soaked and squeezed bread, paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard, and parsley.

Mix everything well until fully combined. The mixture should hold together easily when shaped.

Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 portions, then shape each one into an oval patty, similar to a thick hamburger.

Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.

Coat each patty first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it well with breadcrumbs.

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Fry the fasírt for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or pickles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 to 8 patties
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total time: 35 to 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken for a lighter version.

Add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.

Mix in 1/2 tsp dried marjoram for a more traditional Hungarian flavor.

Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.

Bake instead of frying at 200°C for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fasírt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the patties cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat in a pan over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 180°C for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Hungarian fasírt with ground beef?

Yes, ground beef works very well and gives the patties a rich, savory flavor.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes, ground chicken is a great lighter option. Since it is softer, chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping if needed.

Why do I need soaked bread?

Soaked bread keeps the patties moist and tender instead of dry or dense.

Can I use water instead of milk for soaking the bread?

Yes, water works fine and keeps the recipe simple.

Can I make fasírt ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape and bread the patties a few hours ahead, then refrigerate them until ready to fry.

How do I know the patties are cooked inside?

They should be golden outside and fully cooked in the center with no raw meat remaining.

Can I bake Hungarian fasírt?

Yes, bake at 200°C for about 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

What should I serve with fasírt?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, cucumber salad, pickles, or fresh bread.

Can I make the patties smaller?

Yes, smaller patties cook faster and are great for appetizers or lunch boxes.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Coat each patty well in flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Letting the breaded patties rest for 5 minutes before frying also helps.

Conclusion

Hungarian fasírt is a comforting, crispy, and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare at home. With tender seasoned meat inside and a golden breadcrumb coating outside, it is a satisfying recipe that works for weeknight dinners, family meals, or make-ahead lunches.