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The Recipe · No.741 · Pelmeni

Pelmeni, and where to source it

Pelmeni — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Pelmeni Russian 5best2buy.com

They are meant to be all filling and barely any dough, so the wrapper has to be rolled genuinely thin and the pleats kept tight, and the raw meat filling stays juicy because you work a little ice water into it so it does not dry out in the boil. Thick dough or a dry filling turns a delicate dumpling into a doughy lump.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep1 hr
Cook10 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineRussian
Cost$$$
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Ground beef and pork
A mix for flavor and juiciness; loosened with ice water so it stays tender. Grass-fed and heritage grinds shine.
1 lb
Source it →
Flour
A simple egg dough rolled thin. A good all-purpose gives the right chew.
3 cups
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Egg
Binds the dough and keeps it pliable. Fresh eggs.
1
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Onion
Grated fine into the filling for moisture and sweetness. Fresh, bought local.
1
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Sour cream and butter
The classic finish, with a splash of vinegar. A cultured sour cream is tangier.
to serve
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Using ground beef? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. Make the doughKnead flour, egg, water, and salt into a smooth dough and rest it, covered, 30 min.
  2. Mix the fillingCombine the meats with grated onion, salt, pepper, and a splash of ice water until loose and juicy.
  3. Fill and pleatRoll the dough thin, cut rounds, add filling, and fold into tight sealed dumplings.
  4. Boil and dressBoil in salted water until they float and cook through, then toss with butter and serve with sour cream and vinegar.
The Toolkit

Rolling pin · Round cutter · Slotted spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Pelmeni in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Pelmeni? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Pelmeni ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Pelmeni gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Pelmeni vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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