Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Experience the traditional taste of German cuisine with these well-seasoned meat patties.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Frikadellen with a variety of sides like potatoes, salads, or in a bread roll with mustard.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These patties can be prepared in advance and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 slice of day-old bread or a bread roll
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon German mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Oil or clarified butter for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Bread: Soak the slice of day-old bread in milk until softened. Squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, marjoram, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the soaked bread.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients until well combined and the mixture becomes cohesive.
- Shape the Patties: With damp hands, form the mixture into patties about the size of your palm, flattening them slightly.
- Chill (Optional): Place the patties on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat oil or clarified butter over medium heat.
- Fry the Patties: Add the patties to the skillet without overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 Frikadellen, serving 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Frikadellen: Place a small cube of cheese, such as Gouda or mozzarella, in the center of each patty for a melty surprise.
- Spicy Frikadellen: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Frikadellen: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked and cooled patties in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. What are Frikadellen?
Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties made from ground meat, typically a combination of beef and pork, mixed with bread, onions, and spices, then pan-fried.
2. Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes, you can use only ground beef or only ground pork, but a combination of both provides a balanced flavor and texture.
3. What can I serve with Frikadellen?
They pair well with potato salad, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or in a bread roll with mustard.
4. Can I bake Frikadellen instead of frying?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. How do I prevent Frikadellen from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined, and consider chilling the patties before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Frikadellen
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties (Serves 4)
Description
Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties made with a savory blend of ground beef and chiken, onions, and classic spices. Pan-fried to golden perfection, these juicy patties are a versatile staple in German cuisine, perfect as a main dish or sandwich filler.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground chiken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 slice of day-old bread or bread roll
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon German mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or oregano)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Oil or clarified butter for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Soak the bread in milk until softened, then squeeze out excess milk and crumble it into a mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the ground meats, onion, garlic, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, marjoram, and parsley to the bowl. Mix until combined.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into palm-sized patties, slightly flattened. Optionally, chill for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the Pan: Warm oil or clarified butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the Patties: Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with sides like potato salad, sauerkraut, or in a bread roll.
Notes
- Use a combination of beef and chiken for authentic flavor, or substitute one type if preferred.
- For a lighter version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: German
