Savor the Heartwarming Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe Today

Crispy on the outside and tender within, these german frikadellen dance with rich flavors that capture the essence of traditional German comfort food.

Meat lovers will adore this classic dish that blends ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs and spices.

The german frikadellen recipe brings warmth to any dinner table, creating a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these delectable meat patties, passing down techniques that make each bite memorable.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with careful preparation and love.

Onions, breadcrumbs, and eggs bind these juicy patties together, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Serve these golden-brown frikadellen alongside creamy potatoes or fresh salad for a complete, mouthwatering experience.

Everything Inside Authentic German Frikadellen

• Kaiser Roll: Adds moisture and binding to the meat mixture, choose a day-old roll for better texture.
• Ground Beef: Core protein component, select lean beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal juiciness.
• Ground Pork: Enhances flavor and tenderness, look for fresh ground meat with good color.

• Onion: Provides sharp aromatic depth, dice finely for even distribution.
• Parsley: Brings fresh herbal notes, use fresh herbs for more vibrant taste.
• Mustard: Adds tangy complexity, select a robust German-style mustard for authentic flavor.
• Marjoram: Introduces traditional German herb essence, use dried marjoram for concentrated taste.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet undertone, choose sweet Hungarian paprika.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together, use room temperature egg for better mixing.
• Salt: Heightens overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth, freshly ground pepper delivers best taste.

• Butter or Oil: Creates crispy exterior, use clarified butter for traditional German preparation.

Tools You’ll Use For Authentic German Frikadellen

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Key for frying the patties to golden-brown perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding the right amount of seasonings.
• Colander or strainer: Perfect for draining the soaked bread.
• Kitchen knife: Needed for chopping onions and parsley.
• Spatula: Great for flipping frikadellen evenly in the skillet.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking the safe internal temperature.
• Moistened hands: Helpful trick to prevent meat from sticking while shaping patties.

Steps To Cook Authentic German Frikadellen

• Hydrate the Bread

Grab a soft kaiser roll and dunk it in water for about 10 minutes. Once soggy, squeeze out the liquid and crumble the bread into tiny bits.

• Blend the Meat Goodness

In a big mixing bowl, toss together the bread crumbs, ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, parsley, mustard, marjoram, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s perfectly combined.

• Create Tasty Patties

With damp hands, shape the meat mixture into round, flat discs about the size of your palm. Make sure they’re not too thick.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium flame. Carefully place the patties in the pan, giving them room to breathe. Fry each side for about 5 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Aim for an internal temperature of 160F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your hot Frikadellen with classic German sides like potato salad, sauerkraut, or creamy mashed potatoes. They’re also amazing cold in a sandwich with a dollop of mustard.

Tricks And Options For Authentic German Frikadellen

• Fuss-Free Frying Technique: Keep your skillet at medium heat to ensure a golden-brown crust without burning the meat patties, creating that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining juicy inner texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare frikadellen mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace kaiser roll with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the traditional texture.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that reduces fat content without compromising the classic German flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Twist: Create a plant-based version using mashed lentils, textured vegetable protein, or a blend of mushrooms and beans as a meat substitute, seasoned with traditional spices for an authentic taste experience.

Ways To Dish Out Authentic German Frikadellen

• German Picnic Platter: Arrange frikadellen on a rustic wooden board with cornichons, sliced red onions, and grainy mustard for a charming outdoor meal experience.
• Hearty Comfort Combo: Pair frikadellen with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a light cucumber salad for a satisfying traditional German dinner.
• Sandwich Style: Slice frikadellen thinly, layer between fresh rye bread with tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a dollop of spicy mustard for a delicious lunch option.
• Beer Garden Feast: Serve warm frikadellen with cold German pilsner, soft pretzels, and a side of creamy potato salad for an authentic beer hall-inspired spread.

Keep Authentic German Frikadellen Fresh And Ready

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Wrap cooked frikadellen in airtight containers, keeping them refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Friendly Stash: Stack patties between parchment paper layers, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen frikadellen maintain top quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of butter or oil. Alternatively, use oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they stay moist and crispy without drying out.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare frikadellen mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique allows flavors to develop deeper, creating more delicious patties when ready to cook.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Hearty German Frikadellen Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty German frikadellen melt with savory ground meat and classic seasonings. German home cooks celebrate this traditional pan-fried patty that brings comfort and flavor to weekend family meals.

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Ingredients

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• ⅔ lb (300 g) ground beef
• ⅓ lb (150 g) ground pork
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard (preferably German or Dijon)
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 kaiser roll (or any white bread roll)
• 2 tbsps butter or oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Soak kaiser roll in water for 10 minutes, drain thoroughly, and delicately crumble into fine fragments.
2. Mixture Creation: Combine crumbled bread with ground beef, ground pork, onions, egg, parsley, mustard, marjoram, paprika, seasoning salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Knead ingredients until uniformly blended, using water-dampened hands to prevent sticking while forming consistent patties.
3. Shaping Process: Craft rounded, flat discs approximately 3-4 inches wide, maintaining moderate thickness to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
4. Cooking Technique: Heat butter or oil in a robust skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully position patties to develop a rich, caramelized exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface.
5. Finishing and Serving: Sear frikadellen for approximately 5 minutes per side until achieving a deep mahogany color. Confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for complete doneness. Rest briefly before serving with traditional German accompaniments like potato salad, sauerkraut, or mashed potatoes. Alternatively, enjoy cold as a sandwich filling with mustard spread.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Squeeze out excess water from soaked bread to prevent soggy frikadellen and maintain the ideal meat mixture consistency.
• Prevent Meat Compaction: Mix ingredients gently without overmixing to keep the patties tender and prevent dense, tough frikadellen.
• Temperature Control is Crucial: Use medium-high heat to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior while ensuring the interior cooks thoroughly without burning.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground meats with plant-based alternatives or lean turkey for healthier versions, adjusting seasoning to maintain authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg