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–+ servings
Open-faced cevapi sandwich topped with sliced onions, served with a side of ajvar.

Ćevapi

Juicy, flavorful Balkan cevapi served with golden flatbread, fresh onions, and a side of ajvar. A traditional dish perfect for grilling or skillet cooking, bringing authentic Balkan flavors to your table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Balkan, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 498 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2.2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef
  • 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground lamb
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) finely grated onion (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 3 garlic cloves minced

Instructions
 

  • Combine the beef, lamb, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and baking soda in a large bowl. If using onion, finely grate it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mix.
    Ground meat mixture in a bowl, ready for shaping into cevapi.
  • Use your hands to knead the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it’s well combined and slightly sticky. This helps bind the meat and creates the perfect texture.
    A close-up of the seasoned ground meat mixture for cevapi preparation.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
  • Roll the mixture into finger-sized rolls, about 3 inches long and as thick as your finger. If making extra, freeze them at this stage for later use.
    Shaped cevapi rolls arranged on a plate, ready for grilling or frying.
  • Grilling: Heat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high. Cook the ćevapi for 6-8 minutes, turning them every 1-2 minutes for even browning.
    Skillet: If using a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the ćevapi in batches, turning them frequently, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
    Juicy cevapi frying in a hot skillet, achieving a golden-brown crust.

Notes

Quality meat is key: Freshly ground beef and lamb are ideal. Lamb adds moisture, but you can substitute with pork or stick to beef if preferred.
Keep it simple: Salt, pepper, and garlic are all you need to let the meat shine.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal
Keyword Authentic cevapi recipe, Balkan recipe, Ćevapčići, Cevapi, Traditional grilled meat
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