Similar to a ground mince patty, rissoles are an Australian classic. These turkey rissoles are made with onion, zucchini, coriander and spices. Serve with a wedge of lemon and vegetables on the side.

I learnt about rissoles after moving to Australia. It’s a classic weeknight meal here served with sides like steamed or roasted vegetables, roasted or mashed potatoes or perhaps a green salad.

They are super easy to make, and can be ready in under 30 minutes, plus they can also be made ahead and kept in the freezer to fry as needed.

What is a rissole?

Rissoles are made from ground mince could be beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. The recipe I am sharing with you is for a turkey rissole. They are shaped into a circular round like a burger patty, but on the smaller side. Think bigger than a meatball and smaller than a burger patty.

They are cooked in a pan or on a barbeque and are eaten on their own just like shami kebab or chapli kebabs. Unlike burger patties, an Australian rissole also contains more ingredients – there’s the ground mince, along with herbs and spices, grated vegetables and breadcrumbs.

Why is the rissole so popular in Australia?

The Australian rissole gained popularity during the two World Wars as a way of stretching ingredients. Rissoles were made by mincing different off cuts of meat, and then adding leftover breadcrumbs, vegetables, spices, herbs to improve their flavour.

Now the rissole is an Australian classic with every family having their own special recipe. Uncooked versions are easily available at the supermarket and the butcher, with cafes and pubs always having an option of rissoles on their menu.

A plate with turkey rissoles, lemon wedges and steamed carrots, broccoli and corn.

How do you make turkey rissoles?

Selecting the mince: Rissoles can be made with any type of ground mince. The reason I prefer making turkey rissoles is because turkey is leaner (and healthier) than beef mince, yet has the flavour and meaty taste that can be somewhat lacking in chicken mince. In case you don’t have turkey mince, you can use whatever mince is available.
Add flavour and bulk with vegetables: A rissole always has vegetables – they add bulk, lighten the mince mixture and also add flavour. I have used onions and zucchini in my version, but carrots and peas are popular choices too. I have also seen options where people have added potatoes and cauliflower.
Season, season, season: Herbs and spices are necessary to add flavour to rissoles. In my recipe, I have used Worcestershire sauce, coriander leaves along with black pepper and red chilli powder for a bit of spice. Adjust spices to your taste, or play around with options such as parsley or other Italian herbs, smoked paprika, maybe some middle eastern spices.
Don’t forget the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are a necessary binding agent to form a proper rissole mixture. I am using panko style breadcrumbs for their crispy crunchy texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as well. The quantity of breadcrumbs may need to be adjusted depending on what vegetables are used, and how watery they are.