Open-Top Belyashi Recipe with Beef and Pork Filling

These fried yeast buns hold a seasoned beef-and-pork filling beneath a small opening in the top.

Total 1 hr 55 minMakes 12 belyashi
Jump to Recipe

These fried yeast buns hold a seasoned beef-and-pork filling beneath a small opening in the top. The open center distinguishes them from the fully enclosed market-style version elsewhere on the site. Let the dough rise until airy, shape the meat into a thin layer and cook with the opening down first. Keep the oil moderate so the meat cooks completely before the outside turns dark. Stir yeast and sugar into warm water for 10 minutes; add flour, dough salt and 2 tbsp oil, knead 8 minutes, then cover and rise about 60 minutes. Cook diced onions in a dry or lightly oiled pan until soft and cool; mix with ground meat, filling salt and pepper.

Recipe card

Open-Top Belyashi Recipe with Beef and Pork Filling

Prep 30 minCook 25 minTotal 1 hr 55 minYield 12 belyashi
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Knife, cutting board, measuring tools and suitable pot or skillet

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Dough

    Stir yeast and sugar into warm water for 10 minutes; add flour, dough salt and 2 tbsp oil, knead 8 minutes, then cover and rise about 60 minutes.

  2. Filling

    Cook diced onions in a dry or lightly oiled pan until soft and cool; mix with ground meat, filling salt and pepper.

  3. Shape

    Divide dough into twelve rounds; flatten, add a thin spoon of filling and pleat edges toward center, leaving a small opening.

  4. Fry

    Heat oil to 170°C (340°F); fry opening-side down first for 4 to 5 minutes, turn and fry another 4 to 5 until golden and filling reaches 71°C (160°F).

  5. Drain

    Lift onto paper towels and let rest briefly before serving hot.

How to tell when it is ready

Lift onto paper towels and let rest briefly before serving hot.

Tips

  • Stir yeast and sugar into warm water for 10 minutes.
  • Cook diced onions in a dry or lightly oiled pan until soft and cool.
  • Divide dough into twelve rounds.
  • Heat oil to 170°C (340°F).

Troubleshooting

  • If dough tears, rest it before stretching.
  • If crust darkens early, lower oil temperature.

Substitutions

  • Use all-beef ground meat.
  • Use neutral frying oil instead of sunflower oil.

Variations

  • Add chopped parsley to the meat.
  • Make smaller appetizer portions.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with sour cream.
  • Add sliced cucumber.
  • Offer hot tea.
  • Pair with tomato salad.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate promptly up to 2 days and reheat to 74°C (165°F).

Storage

Refrigerate promptly up to 2 days and reheat to 74°C (165°F).

Food safety

Mixed ground meat must reach 71°C (160°F); check filling through the opening and avoid splashing hot oil.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know open-top belyashi with beef and pork is ready?

Lift onto paper towels and let rest briefly before serving hot.

How should I store open-top belyashi with beef and pork?

Refrigerate promptly up to 2 days and reheat to 74°C (165°F).

Serve with sour cream. Refrigerate promptly up to 2 days and reheat to 74°C (165°F).

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

More from Savva Loginov

Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.