Try This Hearty Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe Today

Juicy and packed with hearty German frikadellen flavor, these homemade meat patties bring the comfort of traditional German street food right to your kitchen.

Ground beef mixed with aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering blend that captures the essence of classic German cuisine.

Crispy edges and a tender center make these patties irresistible for lunch or dinner.

Onions and breadcrumbs add depth and texture to each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

These frikadellen promise to transport you straight to a cozy German bistro with every savory bite.

Why You’ll Love Authentic German Frikadellen

• Quick Family Feast: Prepare a hearty meal that satisfies everyone's hunger in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy these delicious patties with multiple side dishes, from traditional German accompaniments to your favorite home-style options, ensuring a crowd-pleasing meal every time.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Create a restaurant-quality dish using affordable, readily available ingredients that won't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.

What You Need for Traditional German Frikadellen

• Ground Meat: A juicy and flavorful protein base for the classic German dish.

• Stale Bread, Milk: A traditional German technique for adding moisture and tenderness to the patties.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed companions that bring depth and aroma to the Frikadellen.
• Parsley, Marjoram: Fresh herbs that provide a subtle, vibrant touch to the meat mixture.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for perfect patty formation.
• Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Seasonings that create a balanced and delicious flavor profile.

• Oil, Butter: Helps achieve a golden-brown crust and prevents sticking during cooking.

How to Cook Authentic Frikadellen Patties

Step 1: Soak and Soften the Bread

Take a slice of day-old bread and immerse it in milk for about 5 minutes.

Gently squeeze out the excess liquid and break the bread into tiny, soft crumbles.

This technique helps create incredibly moist and tender meat patties that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Blend Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground meat
• Soaked bread crumbs
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Fresh egg
• Tangy mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Marjoram (optional)
• Chopped parsley

Combine these ingredients with a light touch, mixing just until everything is evenly distributed.

Overmixing can make the frikadellen tough, so be gentle.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Patties

Divide the meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions.

With your hands, form each portion into a flat, oval-shaped patty about half an inch thick.

The key is to create uniform shapes for even cooking.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat a generous amount of 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.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee thorough cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling frikadellen to a serving plate.

Pair these mouthwatering German meat patties with classic sides like creamy potato salad, smooth mashed potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, or a slice of crusty bread.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this authentic German comfort food!

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Frikadellen

• Select high-quality ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for the most authentic and flavorful frikadellen.
• Use stale bread soaked in milk to create a moist, tender texture that prevents the patties from becoming dry or tough.
• Blend ingredients lightly and avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a soft, delicate consistency in your frikadellen.
• Cook frikadellen over medium heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside is thoroughly cooked without burning.
• Customize your frikadellen by pairing with different side dishes or using as a protein in sandwiches for added meal variety.

How to Store and Reheat German Meat Patties

• Store leftover frikadellen in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm refrigerated frikadellen in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Spread patties on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and heat until warm throughout.
• Gently reheat cold frikadellen in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they remain moist and don't become tough or overcooked.

Pairings for Authentic German Frikadellen

• Pair with Hearty German Lager: Complement the rich, savory flavors of Frikadellen with a crisp, malty German beer like Pilsner or Märzen, which cuts through the meat's richness and refreshes the palate.
• Create Tangy Mustard Accompaniment: Whip up a zesty homemade mustard sauce using Dijon, German whole-grain mustard, and a splash of white wine to enhance the patties' depth of flavor and add a vibrant kick.
• Select Rustic Side Dish Combo: Serve alongside traditional German potato salad dressed with bacon bits and vinegar dressing, or creamy mashed potatoes with caramelized onions to create a complete, satisfying meal that honors authentic German comfort food.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer that balances the meat's robust taste, providing a light, acidic contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the hearty Frikadellen.

German Frikadellen Style Options to Explore

• Vegetarian Patties: Replace ground meat with lentils, black beans, or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or almond flour instead of regular bread, ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add chili flakes, swap marjoram for fresh thyme, and include chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip bread entirely and use grated zucchini or cauliflower rice as a binding agent, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining moisture and texture.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of soaking bread in milk for Frikadellen?

The bread soaked in milk helps keep the meat mixture moist and tender, creating a softer texture and preventing the patties from becoming dry or tough.

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mixture of ground beef and pork, or even ground turkey if you prefer. The traditional recipe typically uses a combination of beef and pork for the best flavor.

• Why is it important not to overmix the meat mixture?

Overmixing can make the Frikadellen dense and tough. Mixing just until ingredients are combined helps maintain a light, tender texture in the final patties.

• How do I know when the Frikadellen are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through while remaining juicy.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

German Frikadellen meld hearty Hamburg street fare with comforting homestyle cooking. Juicy meat patties seasoned with onions and herbs deliver a satisfying bite that connects home kitchens across Germany.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• 1 large egg

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram (optional)

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 slice stale white bread (or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Infuse stale bread with milk, gently massaging until it absorbs the liquid and breaks into delicate crumbs, releasing excess moisture with a soft squeeze.
2. Assemble the meat mixture in a spacious bowl, introducing ground meat, milk-soaked bread fragments, finely diced onion, minced garlic, whisked egg, tangy mustard, aromatic herbs, and robust seasonings.
3. Tenderly fold ingredients together using fingertips, ensuring a harmonious blend without compressing the mixture, which could result in dense patties.
4. Craft uniform patties by dividing the mixture into symmetrical portions, gently molding each into gentle oval shapes approximately half-inch thick, creating smooth edges with delicate pressure.
5. Warm a skillet with a whisper of oil or butter, allowing it to reach a gentle medium heat that promises a golden, crisp exterior.
6. Carefully introduce frikadellen to the heated surface, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramel-brown crust, transforming approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring complete culinary safety and succulent texture.
8. Present these traditional German delicacies alongside complementary accompaniments like velvety potato salad, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, or rustic crusty bread, inviting a hearty, authentic feast.

Notes

• Select fatty ground meat like a beef-pork blend for juicier, more flavorful Frikadellen that hold together perfectly.
• Soak bread in whole milk to create a moist, tender texture that prevents dry, tough meat patties.
• Handle meat mixture gently when mixing and shaping to maintain a light, delicate consistency without compressing proteins.
• Achieve restaurant-quality browning by using a cast-iron skillet and avoiding overcrowding during cooking to get crispy exterior edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg