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Chebureki are fried dumplings that look like turnovers — crunchy on the outside and filled with meat on the inside. I have a quick and easy shortcut so you can make these Russian dumplings in no time!

Chebureki with herbs on a counter

What Are Chebureki?

Chebureki is a common Russian pastry that is filled with a savory filling, usually ground meat. This recipe uses ground beef, but ground lamb is another option. A popular street food, you can find Chebureki at any of the street markets in Russia.

The dough is made with yeast and rolled out very thin. Or you can use raw flour tortillas as an easy substitute – the texture is very similar to the homemade dough. This is my favorite shortcut!

Hot Tip: If you want to make a classic chebureki recipe with homemade dough, you can get the recipe in our ebook.

How to Make Chebureki

  • Make the Filling – Mix together the ground meat, salt/pepper, egg, and chopped onion until combined.
  • Assemble the Chebureki – Place a few tablespoons of the filling on one side of the raw tortilla in a thin layer, fold the tortilla over, and use a fork to pinch the sides together. Repeat with the remaining chebureki.
  • Cook the Chebureki – Heat oil in a skillet and cook the filled chebureki until each side is golden.

Hot Tip: When assembling the Chebureki, press the meat in a thin layer so it cooks evenly.

Tortilla filled with meat
chebureki with pinched edges
frying cheburek in a frying pan
Chebureki with herbs on a counter

How to Freeze Chebureki

Chebureki are best frozen before cooking. After you assemble the dumplings, wrap in plastic wrap or layer between parchment paper to avoid sticking. Seal it in a ziploc bag and freeze for up to a month.

When ready to serve, thaw the frozen Chebureki in the fridge and cook according to instructions.

Chebureki with herbs on a counter

More of Classic Recipes

  • Piroshki – delicious fried, filled pastry buns that can be made ahead.
  • Pelmeni – a dumpling soup that cooks in just 30 minutes.
  • Meat Potato Pierogi – Eastern European comfort food with a meat and potato filling.
  • Poppy Seed Buns –  these fluffy buns are an Eastern European classic!

Recipe

Chebureki with herbs on a counter

Chebureki (Russian Fried Dumplings)

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Servings
6 servings
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Chebureki are fried dumplings that look like turnovers — crunchy on the outside and filled with meat on the inside. I have a quick and easy shortcut so you can make these Russian dumplings in no time!

Ingredients

  • 6 uncooked flour tortillas
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef and chicken combo)
  • 1/2 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tbsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp pepper adjsut to taste
  • oil for frying
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Combine the meat with the egg, seasoning, and onion. Place a few tablespoons of the meat filling on one side of the raw tortilla and press into a thin layer. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
    Tortilla filled with meat
  • Pinch the sides together using a fork; make sure it’s sealed tight so the filling doesn’t come out. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
    chebureki with pinched edges
  • Preheat the oil in a skillet on low/medium heat. Add the filled tortillas and cook until each side is golden brown.
    frying cheburek in a frying pan
  • Remove the cooked Chebureki from the skillet; let them rest on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
    Chebureki with herbs on a counter
Nutrition Facts
Chebureki (Russian Fried Dumplings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 849mg35%
Potassium 278mg8%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 42IU1%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Posted March 8, 2021

About Author

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.