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Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Authentic German Frikadellen are flavorful pan-fried meat patties made from a combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, soaked bread for tenderness, and seasoned with mustard and paprika. These juicy and tender patties are a beloved traditional German comfort food, perfect served warm with potato salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 2 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Soak the bread: Soak the slice of stale white bread in 1/4 cup of milk for about 5 minutes until softened. Then squeeze out the excess milk and crumble the bread into small pieces to set aside.
  2. Mix the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, ground marjoram if using, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined to keep the patties tender and avoid overworking the mixture.
  3. Shape patties: Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat oval-shaped patty about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
  4. Heat and fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan and fry them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  5. Serve: Remove the frikadellen from the skillet and serve warm. These delicious patties pair wonderfully with traditional potato salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for an authentic German meal experience.

Notes

  • Using a mix of ground beef and pork adds extra juiciness and flavor.
  • Soaking the bread in milk helps keep the patties moist and tender.
  • Marjoram is optional but adds a classic German herb aroma.
  • Be careful not to overmix the meat to maintain a tender texture.
  • Check internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure safety.
  • These patties can also be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: German frikadellen, meat patties, pan-fried meatballs, German comfort food, traditional German recipe, frikadellen recipe, easy meat patties

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