Authentic German Frikadellen

Get ready to bring a little taste of Germany to your kitchen with these Authentic German Frikadellen—delicious, savory, and so comforting! These German-style meat patties, often compared to burgers, are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a mix of seasoned ground beef and pork. What makes them truly special is the perfect combination of herbs and spices, plus the addition of a few secret ingredients that make them irresistibly tender. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or at a casual get-together, these Frikadellen are sure to be a hit. Pair them with some crispy potatoes or a side of tangy mustard, and trust me, you’ll be in culinary heaven. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Authentic German Frikadellen

Here’s why these frikadellen are about to become your new favorite dish:

• Flavor Packed: A blend of ground beef and pork, mixed with onions, garlic, and aromatic spices, makes these patties super flavorful and juicy.
• Perfectly Seasoned: The combination of parsley, mustard, and a dash of paprika gives them that distinct German flavor that’s savory and satisfying.
• Quick & Easy: Frikadellen are incredibly easy to prepare and cook. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours.
• Versatile: You can serve them in a bun for a German-style burger or alongside mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad for a classic meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, these frikadellen are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients in Authentic German Frikadellen

Here’s what you’ll need to make these juicy, flavorful patties:

• Ground Beef: The base of the frikadellen, offering rich flavor and texture.
• Ground Pork: Adds juiciness and tenderness to the patties.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: A bit of garlic for that savory punch.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds texture.
• Egg: Another binder to keep everything together while ensuring the patties stay moist.
• Mustard: A key ingredient that gives these frikadellen their distinctive German taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a bit of color to the patties.
• Paprika: Gives a little smoky warmth to the flavor profile.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these delicious, authentic frikadellen:

Mix the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring everything together into a sticky, cohesive mixture.

Shape the Patties

With wet hands, form the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties, about the size of a burger patty (but slightly thicker). Make sure to press the edges to seal them well so they don’t fall apart while cooking.

Fry the Frikadellen

Heat a generous amount of oil (about 2 tablespoons) in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the frikadellen to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You want a nice crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can also check the internal temperature—frikadellen should reach at least 160°F for safety.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the frikadellen are cooked through, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, with mustard and a side of potatoes, sauerkraut, or your favorite salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 30mg
Iron: 4mg
Potassium: 450mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Authentic German Frikadellen

Frikadellen are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Potato Salad: A tangy, creamy German potato salad is the perfect side to balance the richness of the frikadellen.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a bit of gravy complement the hearty frikadellen perfectly.
• Sauerkraut: The tartness of sauerkraut pairs wonderfully with the savory flavor of the patties.
• Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette works great to balance out the richness of the meat.
• Mustard: Serve with some traditional German mustard or Dijon for dipping. It adds a nice zing to each bite.

Additional Tips

• Binding Tip: If you find the mixture a little too wet and hard to shape, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it’s firm enough to mold into patties.
• Pan-Frying Tip: For extra crispy frikadellen, be sure to let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side before flipping. This helps to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
• Flavor Variations: If you want to experiment with flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a bit of dried thyme or rosemary for a more herbaceous twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make frikadellen ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying them. This also allows the flavors to meld together.

Q2: Can I freeze frikadellen?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked frikadellen for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer.

Q3: Can I use only beef for the patties?
A3: While traditional frikadellen use both beef and pork, you can use only beef if that’s what you prefer. The texture may be slightly leaner, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q4: Can I bake frikadellen instead of frying them?
A4: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Q5: What’s the best mustard to serve with frikadellen?
A5: A classic German mustard is always a hit! A tangy, mild mustard or Dijon is perfect for dipping.

Q6: What can I serve with frikadellen instead of potatoes?
A6: Try them with rice, roasted vegetables, or even a side of bread if you want to keep it simple.

Q7: How can I make frikadellen spicy?
A7: You can add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick!

Q8: Can I make frikadellen with ground turkey or chicken?
A8: Yes! You can use ground turkey or chicken, though they will be a bit leaner. To compensate, you may want to add a bit more fat (like oil) while frying.

Q9: How do I know when frikadellen are fully cooked?
A9: The best way to check is by cutting one open to make sure the inside is no longer pink. They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Q10: Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs?
A10: Yes, pre-made breadcrumbs work fine. Just be sure they’re plain and not seasoned.

Conclusion

These Authentic German Frikadellen are the ultimate comfort food, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. They’re easy to make, packed with delicious German flavors, and incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them with mustard, potatoes, or sauerkraut, these frikadellen will have you feeling like you’re sitting down for a meal in a cozy German pub. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let it transport your taste buds to Germany!

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