Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

Introduction

Authentic German Frikadellen are savory pan-fried meat patties that bring comfort and tradition to your table. These flavorful bites, made with ground meat and aromatic spices, are perfect for a quick meal or hearty snack.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef (or mix of pork and beef)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stale bread roll or 2 slices of white bread
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by soaking the stale bread roll in the milk until it is completely softened. If using slices of white bread, remove the crusts and soak them in the milk.
2. Step 2: Squeeze out excess milk from the soaked bread and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and the egg to the bowl with the soaked bread.
4. Step 4: Mix everything thoroughly using your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Step 5: With slightly wet hands, shape the meat mixture into medium-sized patties about the size of your palm. Ensure the patties are not too thick to ensure even cooking.
6. Step 6: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
7. Step 7: Add the patties, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove the Frikadellen from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
9. Step 9: Serve warm, accompanied by traditional sides like sauerkraut or a potato salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, add a splash of broth or a little grated onion to the mixture.
• Use a mix of pork and beef for a juicier and more flavorful result.
• Try adding finely chopped pickles or a touch of caraway seeds for a unique twist.
• If you prefer, bake the patties at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.

Storage

Store leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain their texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for soaking?

Yes, white bread is traditional but you can use whole grain or sandwich bread. Just make sure to remove any tough crusts and soak until soft.

What can I serve with Frikadellen?

Frikadellen pair wonderfully with sauerkraut, potato salad, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 medium-sized patties 1x

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Description

Authentic German Frikadellen are flavorful pan-fried meat patties made from a seasoned blend of ground beef and pork, mixed with soaked bread, onions, and spices. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these patties are a popular traditional German comfort food perfect for serving with sauerkraut or potato salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef (or a mix of pork and beef)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stale bread roll or 2 slices of white bread
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Soak the bread: Begin by soaking the stale bread roll in the milk until it is completely softened. If using slices of white bread, remove the crusts first before soaking them in the milk.
2. Prepare bread mixture: Squeeze out the excess milk from the soaked bread and transfer the softened bread to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, mustard, paprika, salt, black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and the egg to the bowl with the soaked bread.
4. Mix thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients well until fully combined into a consistent meat mixture.
5. Form patties: With slightly wet hands, shape the meat mixture into medium-sized patties about the size of your palm, ensuring they are not too thick to guarantee even cooking.
6. Heat the pan: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat to prepare for frying.
7. Fry patties: Place the patties in the pan without overcrowding, and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Drain excess oil: Remove the Frikadellen from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
9. Serve warm: Serve the Frikadellen warm, traditionally accompanied by sides such as sauerkraut or potato salad for an authentic German meal experience.

Notes

• If fresh bread is not available, slightly toasted bread can be soaked as well but ensure it softens properly.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or caraway seeds to the meat mixture.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before forming patties, especially salt and pepper.
• These patties can also be cooked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if preferred.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Keywords: German Frikadellen recipe, traditional German meat patties, authentic Frikadellen, pan-fried meat patties, German comfort food