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Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Authentic German Frikadellen are delicious pan-fried meat patties made from a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with traditional herbs and spices. These tender, flavorful patties are perfect for a comforting meal served alongside classic sides like potato salad or mashed potatoes, embodying a beloved German home-cooked favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 slice stale white bread (or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow mustard)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground marjoram (optional)
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped

For Frying

  • 2 tbsp oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bread: Soak the slice of stale bread in 1/4 cup milk for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread into small pieces. Set aside.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, marjoram (optional), and chopped parsley. Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender, avoiding overmixing.
  3. Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape each into a flat oval-shaped patty approximately 1/2-inch thick.
  4. Heat Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
  5. Fry Patties: Fry the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
  6. Serve: Serve the frikadellen warm alongside traditional sides such as potato salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • You can use ground pork alone or a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • Stale bread is preferred to absorb moisture without making the mixture too wet; breadcrumbs can be a convenient substitute.
  • Ensure not to overmix the ingredients to keep the patties tender and juicy.
  • Marjoram adds an authentic German flavor but is optional.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • Frikadellen can be made ahead and reheated gently in a pan or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Frikadellen, German meat patties, pan-fried meatballs, traditional German recipe, ground beef patties

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/authentic-german-frikadellen-recipe/