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Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

This Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat patties that embody traditional German comfort food. Made with a mix of ground beef and pork, simple pantry ingredients, and straightforward preparation, these pan-fried patties have a crispy golden crust and tender, moist interior. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, frikadellen bring warmth and nostalgia to your table with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef and pork mix
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Frying

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or neutral oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, the beaten egg, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, but be gentle to avoid compacting the mixture too much which can make the patties dense.
  2. Shape the Patties: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then form the mixture into evenly sized oval or round patties, roughly the size of your palm. Make sure they are compact but not overly pressed to maintain tenderness while cooking.
  3. Heat the Pan and Prepare for Frying: Heat a combination of butter and oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. The butter adds flavor while the oil raises the smoke point, helping achieve that lovely golden crust without burning.
  4. Fry the Frikadellen: Place the patties in the hot pan, leaving space so they don’t steam. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until perfectly browned and cooked through. Avoid flipping too often to get that crispy outside you want.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the frikadellen from the pan and let them rest briefly on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps retain the juices inside and keeps the patties moist when served.

Notes

  • Choose fresh ground beef and pork for the best flavor and texture.
  • Soak breadcrumbs fully in milk to ensure tender patties.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid dense texture.
  • Cook on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure thorough cooking.
  • Test cook one patty first and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispy exterior; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: German frikadellen, meat patties, pan-fried meatballs, traditional German recipe, hearty meat patties, comfort food, gluten-free frikadellen