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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: Soak kaiser roll in water for 10 minutes, drain thoroughly, and delicately crumble into fine fragments.
- 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.
- Shaping Process: Craft rounded, flat discs approximately 3-4 inches wide, maintaining moderate thickness to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- 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.
- 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