Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making authentic German frikadellen! These savory meat patties are not just any ordinary dish; they’re a delicious tradition that brings a taste of Germany right into your kitchen. When I first tried these at a local German festival, I was hooked! The combination of ground beef and pork, mixed with fresh herbs and spices, creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make these frikadellen, you’ll want them on your dinner table every week. So, let’s dive into the magic of this recipe together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making authentic German frikadellen that are bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g ground beef: I like to use a good quality beef for that rich flavor.
- 250g ground pork: This adds moisture and a lovely tenderness to the patties.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Don’t skimp on the onion; it brings sweetness and depth!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a beautiful aromatic touch.
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in milk: I use white bread, and soaking it makes the mixture nice and moist.
- 1 egg: This helps bind everything together—super important!
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just a touch for some mild heat.
- 1 tsp paprika: I love using sweet paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, for frying. You’ll want enough to coat the bottom of your pan.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, because the magic happens when we combine these delicious ingredients!
How to Prepare Authentic German Frikadellen
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making those delicious frikadellen! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process.
Mixing the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the ground beef and pork, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Next, take those soaked bread slices, squeeze out any excess milk, and crumble them into the bowl. Add in the egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Now, get your hands in there and mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use my hands because it just feels right! Make sure not to overmix, as we want the patties to be tender.
Forming the Patties
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to shape your frikadellen! Grab a handful of the mixture and form it into patties about 1 inch thick. I usually aim for roughly the size of my palm. Don’t worry about them being perfect; a little rustic charm is part of the appeal!
Cooking the Patties
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat—just enough to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one authentic German frikadelle patty. You’ll get about 250 calories, 18g of fat (6g saturated), 20g of protein, and just 5g of carbs. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on the ingredients you choose, but they’re a delicious, satisfying option for any meal!
Tips for Success
To truly nail those authentic German frikadellen, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the mixing process—take your time to ensure everything is evenly blended, as this makes a huge difference in texture. If you can, let the mixture rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming patties; this helps them hold together better while cooking. Also, for extra flavor, feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or nutmeg! And remember, the key to a perfect sear is to let the oil heat up properly before adding the patties—this ensures that golden crust we all love!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your authentic German frikadellen! For a little kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the meat mixture. You can also swap out the parsley for fresh dill for a different flavor profile—so aromatic! If you want a richer taste, incorporate some grated cheese, like Gouda or cheddar, right into the mix. And for a twist on the classic, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork; they work beautifully too! The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Authentic German frikadellen are fantastic on their own, but they shine even brighter with the right accompaniments! I love serving them with a side of creamy potato salad or crispy fried potatoes for that classic German touch. A dollop of tangy mustard or a rich mushroom gravy also elevates the flavor, making every bite simply irresistible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover authentic German frikadellen, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. For reheating, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through. Enjoy the deliciousness again!
FAQ Section
Can I use only one type of meat for frikadellen?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses a mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly use just one type of meat. Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
What can I serve with authentic German frikadellen?
These savory patties are delightful with a variety of sides! They pair wonderfully with potato salad, sauerkraut, or fresh bread. A tangy mustard or a rich gravy on the side also complements them perfectly.
Can I freeze frikadellen?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
How do I know when the frikadellen are cooked through?
The best way to check is to cut one open; it should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Can I make the mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the frikadellen mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking the patties for the best results.
For a delicious soup pairing, try a sweet pepper soup!
A chicken and broccoli salad makes a great side dish!
Consider a beet and feta salad for a refreshing contrast!

Authentic German Frikadellen: 5 Savory Secrets Unveiled
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Authentic German Frikadellen are savory meat patties made from ground meat and spices.
Składniki
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef and pork.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, soaked bread, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with mustard or your favorite sauce.
- They can be frozen for later use.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Frying
- Kuchnia: German
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 patty
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 5g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: authentic german frikadellen