Beef Cutlet Pao
A classic Goan street food snack. Spiced ground beef patties, coated in crispy semolina and shallow-fried until golden, are tucked into a soft pao with sliced onions. It's a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make treat that captures the essence of Goan cuisine.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beef Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped half of the onion, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt.
- d.Pour in the white vinegar and add the breadcrumbs for binding.
- e.Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cutlets tender.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape and Chill the Cutlets
- b.Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions.
- c.Shape each portion into a round, slightly flattened patty, about 1/2-inch thick.
- d.For best results and easier handling, place the shaped patties on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Set Up the Coating Station
- b.Prepare two shallow dishes. In the first, place the lightly beaten egg. In the second, spread out the rava (semolina).
- c.Take one chilled patty at a time and dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides.
- d.Immediately transfer the egg-washed patty to the rava, pressing gently so the semolina adheres evenly. Shake off any excess.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow-Fry the Cutlets
- b.Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/4-inch deep.
- c.To check if the oil is ready, drop a pinch of rava into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
- d.Carefully place the coated cutlets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- e.Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are a deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- f.Once cooked, remove the cutlets with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Slice the pao buns horizontally, leaving one side hinged.
- c.Place one hot, crispy beef cutlet inside each pao.
- d.Top with a few rings of the thinly sliced raw onion.
- e.Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more authentic Goan flavor, use coconut vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- 2Do not overmix the ground beef mixture, as it can lead to tough and dense cutlets.
- 3Chilling the patties before frying is a crucial step to prevent them from breaking apart in the pan.
- 4Ensure your oil is at the right temperature. If it's too cool, the cutlets will be greasy; if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- 5Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- 6If you can't find Goan pao, soft dinner rolls, brioche buns, or slider buns are excellent substitutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a lower-fat version, bake the cutlets. Spray them with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken, turkey, or mutton (lamb). Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Create a vegetarian cutlet using a base of mashed potatoes, boiled raw bananas, or crumbled paneer mixed with the same spices.
Extra FlavorExtra Flavor
Add a tablespoon of finely chopped mint leaves to the beef mixture for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle growth, repair, and overall function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Contains B Vitamins
Ground beef is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Beef Cutlet Pao contains approximately 600-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.