The Juicy German Frikadellen Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these hearty German frikadellen bring excitement to the table.

Packed with robust flavor, these classic German meat patties promise a delightful culinary journey.

Juicy ground beef mingles with onions, herbs, and breadcrumbs to create a mouthwatering blend.

Each bite delivers a taste of traditional German comfort food that warms the soul.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, these frikadellen are simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying.

The aroma of sizzling meat will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this delectable dish.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and savor the rich, homestyle goodness of authentic German cuisine.

German Frikadellen Classic Qualities

• These German patties are super simple to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• You can easily customize the seasonings and meat blend to suit your personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
• Frikadellen work beautifully as a main dish, party appetizer, or casual dinner option that appeals to both kids and adults with their delicious, hearty profile.
• This recipe comes together rapidly with minimal prep and cooking steps, offering a fast solution for busy families wanting a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.

Frikadellen Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Classic German meat combination that provides rich flavor and juicy texture for traditional Frikadellen.
• Stale Bread: Helps keep the meat patties moist and tender by absorbing moisture during cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional German seasoning to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a cohesive patty.
• Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Marjoram, Parsley: Seasonings that contribute complex and authentic German flavor profiles.

• Milk: Softens the bread and adds additional moisture to the meat mixture.
• Butter, Oil: Provides fat for cooking and helps create a golden-brown crust on the Frikadellen.

Kitchen Tools for German Meatballs

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and gently.
• Skillet: Perfect for achieving that golden-brown crust on your Frikadellen.
• Spatula: Helps flip patties smoothly without breaking them.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for authentic flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions and mincing garlic cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Hands: Clean hands are crucial for mixing and shaping patties perfectly.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Helps check internal cooking temperature precisely.

Cooking German Frikadellen Step by Step

Step 1: Soak and Prepare Bread Base

Immerse a slice of slightly stale bread in milk for a few minutes.

Gently squeeze out the excess liquid and crumble the bread into tiny fragments.

This magical bread trick ensures your meat patties remain incredibly juicy and tender.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground meat
• Crumbled milk-soaked bread
• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Whole egg
• Tangy mustard
• Seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, marjoram, parsley)

Blend the ingredients gently, being careful not to overmix.

The goal is a harmonious blend that maintains the meat’s delicate texture.

Step 3: Shape Mouthwatering Patties

Using clean hands, divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions.

Mold each section into elongated oval shapes, approximately half an inch thick.

These patties resemble rustic, handcrafted hamburgers with a distinctly German flair.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Warm oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C for safe consumption.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Present the Frikadellen piping hot.

Traditional accompaniments include creamy potato salad, smooth mashed potatoes, or crusty artisan bread.

These German comfort food delights are perfect for a hearty meal that celebrates authentic culinary traditions.

Tips for Authentic Frikadellen Flavor

• Stale bread soaked in milk is the secret weapon for keeping Frikadellen juicy and tender, preventing dry, tough meat patties.
• Combine ingredients just until mixed, avoiding overmixing to maintain the delicate texture and prevent dense, tough Frikadellen.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure Frikadellen reach 160F/71C, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked patties every time.
• Shape oval patties with consistent thickness for even cooking and attractive presentation on the plate.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh marjoram or thyme to add a unique twist to the traditional German recipe.

German Meatball Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Frikadellen: Replace bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the classic texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Patties: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein, creating a meat-free version that captures the essence of traditional Frikadellen.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread, reducing carbohydrate content and making the recipe compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Lamb and Herb Fusion: Substitute beef or pork with ground lamb, adding fresh mint and rosemary to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings a new flavor profile to the classic German dish.

Frikadellen Serving Ideas for Any Meal

• Hearty Potato Companion: Serve these German patties alongside creamy mashed potatoes or classic German potato salad for an authentic comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Sandwich Sensation: Transform your Frikadellen into a delicious sandwich by tucking them between fresh crusty bread, adding a dollop of tangy mustard or crisp lettuce for extra crunch.
• Side Veggie Delight: Pair these savory meat patties with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans to create a balanced and nutritious plate that highlights the Frikadellen's rich flavor.
• Sauce Drizzle Magic: Enhance the dish with traditional German condiments like herb-infused remoulade, spicy mustard, or a quick gravy to elevate the meat's natural taste and add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Storing German Frikadellen Like a Pro

• Store leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual Frikadellen tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Frikadellen maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place Frikadellen on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• What are Frikadellen?

Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties similar to meatballs, made with ground meat, bread, eggs, and seasonings. They’re a popular comfort food in German cuisine, often served as a main dish.

• Is it necessary to use stale bread in the recipe?

Using stale bread helps create a more tender and moist texture in Frikadellen. The bread absorbs moisture and acts as a binding agent, making the patties softer and preventing them from becoming dry.

• Can I use different types of meat for Frikadellen?

Traditionally, Frikadellen are made with ground beef or a mix of beef and pork. You can experiment with ground turkey or chicken, but the classic recipe uses beef or beef-pork combination for the best flavor and texture.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty German frikadellen celebrate classic Hamburg street fare with juicy seasoned meat patties. Crisp pan-fried edges and savory herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave for comfort and simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Main Components:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, or a mix of ground beef and pork
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Bread & Dairy:

• 1 slice stale white bread
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings & Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter for frying

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Instructions

1. Saturate a stale bread slice in milk for 5 minutes, ensuring it becomes thoroughly softened. Gently squeeze out excess liquid and crumble into fine fragments, which will contribute to the meat’s moisture and texture.
2. Transfer crumbled bread into a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate ground meat, finely diced onions, crushed garlic, egg, mustard, and comprehensive seasonings. Blend ingredients with delicate movements, avoiding excessive manipulation to maintain tenderness.
3. Partition meat mixture into 4-6 uniform segments. Craft each portion into elongated, slightly flattened oval shapes approximately half-inch thick, resembling rustic hamburger-style patties.
4. Warm skillet with oil or butter over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully position patties into heated pan, allowing each side to caramelize for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and reaching 160°F internal temperature.
5. Transfer freshly cooked Frikadellen onto serving platter. Accompany with traditional German side dishes like robust potato salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty artisan bread for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for the best texture, as it absorbs milk more effectively and creates a more tender meat mixture.
• Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent tough, dense Frikadellen; gently combine ingredients just until they’re incorporated.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or mashed potato to maintain moisture and binding.
• Experiment with different meat combinations like half beef and half pork for a richer, more complex flavor profile that adds depth to the traditional recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg