Authentic Pelmeni Recipe (Ukrainian Meat Dumplings)

This authentic pelmeni recipe is absolutely delicious and filled with a flavorful turkey and onion mixture. They are the perfect appetizer, boasting the comforting, familiar flavors that make them a hit with both kids and adults alike. 

Pelmenis are a traditional Slavic meat dumpling. There's something truly satisfying about biting into one of these delicious dumplings, making them a favorite at my table and sure to be a hit at yours, too.

They have a tender bite of dough and savory filling and are a family favorite that are as fun to make as they are to eat. 

If you love the hearty, comforting flavors of pelmenis, you should also try my Ukrainian pierogi recipe. And for a different take, my Turkey Chebureki is a must-try. This recipe swaps the dough for a flaky pastry and the result is simply delicious.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make Pelmeni
• Tips for Making the Best Pelmeni
• Serving Suggestions 
• Recipe Variation Ideas 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Card
• Authentic Pelmeni Recipe (Ukrainian Meat Dumplings)
• Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pelmenis recipe is a cinch to make. With a pelmenis maker, you can have a whole batch ready in no time.
• Classic Flavors: These pelmenis are made with a traditional, flavorful turkey and onion mixture that's sure to please everyone.
• Comfort Food: There's nothing quite like a plate of warm, homemade pelmenis to make you feel cozy and comfortable.
• Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family meal.
• Affordable: Using simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe is easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this pelmeni recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Turkey Breast Tenderloins: The star of our filling, turkey breast tenderloins will provide a lean, flavorful protein that pairs perfectly with our other ingredients.

• Onion: When sauté, this will add a sweet, savory flavor to our filling, compliment the turkey, and add a nice texture to our pelmenis.
• Garlic: This will add a robust, savory flavor to our filling, giving it a delicious depth.
• Whey: This traditional ingredient will give our dough a unique flavor and texture, setting our pelmenis apart from the rest.

• Pelmeni Maker: You'll also need this pelmeni mold to make the perfect traditional Russian meat dumplings every single time. It's so handy!

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Pelmeni

Making this incredible pelmeni is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Prepare the Meat Filling

Step 1: Wash the turkey breast tenderloins to clean off any impurities, then grind them using a meat grinder.

Step 2: Add shredded onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and egg to the ground turkey.

Step 3: Mix all the ingredients well using a hand mixer until they are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Cover the mixture with plastic food wrap and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Make the Dough

Step 1: Combine all the dry ingredients together - sift all-purpose organic flour, baking soda, and sea salt, then set the mixture aside.

Step 2: In a mixer bowl, pour in the whey, add the egg, and mix on medium speed using the mixer's whisk attachment. Mix for about 30 seconds or until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Switch the attachment to the mixer's dough hook. Add half of the flour mixture to the whey mixture and mix on the lowest speed. Continue adding ½ cup of flour mixture at a time until a soft dough forms with no clumps.

Step 4: Transfer the dough onto a large cutting board or work surface that has been dust with flour. Cut a fist-sized piece out of the dough and roll it out into a large circle, a little wider than the pelmeni maker.

Fill and Shape the Pelmenis

Step 1: Place the pelmenis maker on the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle some flour to dust the pelmenis maker and the dough to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the floured side of the dough over the floured pelmenis maker. Press the dough into the pockets.

Step 3: Place 1 tsp. of the seasoned ground turkey mixture into each pocket.

Step 4: Roll out another dough circle and place it over the pelmenis maker filled with meat.

Step 5: Use a rolling pin to press and roll over the top of the pelmenis maker from the center outward until all pelmenis are cut and the hexagon shapes are well visible.

Step 7: Turn the pelmenis maker filled with pelmenis over and hit an edge against the rolling pin or cutting board a couple of times until all pelmenis fall out from the pockets. Place the raw/uncooked pelmenis onto a rectangular plate.

Step 8: Repeat the same steps until you've used up the rest of the dough and meat. You should have approximately 5 batches or 275 pelmenis. Any leftover pelmenis can be frozen in a ziplock bag.

Cook the Pelmenis

Unfrozen Pelmenis: Bring a medium pot filled with water halfway to a boil (on high temp) then carefully toss in pelmenis. Reduce the heat to medium and stir. The boiling will subside and then resume. As soon as gentle boiling starts, simmer pelmenis for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frozen Pelmenis: Bring a medium pot filled with water halfway to a boil (on high temp) then carefully toss the pelmenis into the pot. Do not reduce the heat (keep it on high) and stir. The coldness of frozen pelmenis will cause boiling to subside and then it will resume. As soon as pelmenis start boiling again reduce the heat to low/medium and let them simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Both Unfrozen and Frozen Pelmenis: Transfer the cooked pelmenis into a bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of butter, cut into smaller pieces, then toss to coat.

Serve: Serve the pelmenis right away with vinegar, sour cream, or anything else you prefer.

Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious, homemade pelmenis!

 For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips for Making the Best Pelmeni

• Choose the Right Dough: For a perfect pelmenis recipe, opt for whey as your liquid base for the dough. It gives the dough a unique flavor and a soft, smooth texture.
• Let the Dough Rest: After preparing the dough, let it rest for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and will improve the texture of your pelmenis.
• Use a Pelmenis Maker: A pelmenis maker can make the process of shaping the pelmenis much faster and easier. If you don't have one, you can still make pelmenis by hand, but it will take more time and effort.
• Don't Overfill the Pelmenis: When adding the filling to the dough, make sure not to overfill. Overfill pelmenis can burst during cooking, causing the filling to spill out.
• Freeze the Leftovers: If you have any uncooked pelmenis left, freeze them in a ziplock bag. They make for a quick and easy meal on a busy day. Just boil them straight from the freezer, no need to thaw. 

Serving Suggestions 

• For a hearty dinner, serve these delicious pelmenis with a side of Olivier salad. The creamy and flavorful salad pairs perfectly with the savory pelmenis, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
• Want to add a bit of tanginess to your pelmenis? Try serving them with a side of pickled vegetables. The crispness of the vegetables compliments the soft texture of the pelmenis, making it a refreshing and delicious meal.
• For a traditional Russian twist, serve your pelmenis with a generous dollop of sour cream. The cool and creamy sour cream enhances the flavors of the pelmenis, making it a classic and comforting dish.
• If you're looking for a unique flavor combination, try serving your pelmenis with a variety of sauces. Barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce, ranch sauce, or even a spicy chili sauce can add a whole new dimension to the flavor of the pelmenis. 

Recipe Variation Ideas 

This delicious pelmenis recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Spicy: If you're a fan of heat, this variation is for you. Simply add a teaspoon of hot chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat filling. The spicy twist will add an exciting twist to the traditional pelmenis recipe.
• Cheese-filled: For cheese lovers, this variation is a must-try. Mix in a generous amount of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the meat filling. The melted cheese will add a creamy texture and a rich flavor to the pelmenis.
• Other Meats: If you're not a fan of turkey, you can easily substitute it with other meats like pork, beef, or even a combination of different meats. Just make sure to grind the meat and season it well for a delicious alternative.
• Fluffier Dough: You can also experiment with my vareniki dough recipe to get that extra fluffiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Card

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This recipe was originally posted on March 13, 2017 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.