German Frikadellen Recipe That’s Authentic and Juicy

My weekend culinary adventures with authentic german frikadellen sparked a delightful memory of my grandmother’s kitchen.

Memories of hearty meals always transport me back to cozy afternoons.

Hamburg street food culture inspired these delectable meat patties that smell incredible when sizzling.

Juicy and perfectly seasoned, these traditional burgers combine ground beef and pork with unexpected herbs.

Each bite tells a story of german comfort cooking passed through generations.

Crispy edges and tender centers make these frikadellen irresistible for any casual gathering.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and create this delicious recipe right away.

Why People Love Authentic German Frikadellen

• This German Frikadellen recipe delivers a hearty, delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving authentic comfort food.
• No advanced culinary skills needed- simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Enjoy these patties hot or cold, as a main course with traditional sides or as a convenient sandwich filling, offering multiple serving possibilities.
• Experience traditional German cuisine through an easy-to-make recipe that brings genuine flavor and international food traditions right to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Authentic German Frikadellen

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich combination of meats adding robust flavor and juicy texture, choose fresh, lean cuts with good fat content for best results.

• Kaiser Roll, Egg: Softened bread and egg help bind ingredients together and create tender meat patties, select day-old bread for better absorption.

• Onion, Parsley, Marjoram, Mustard, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic German seasoning blend providing depth and traditional taste, fresh herbs recommended for more vibrant flavor profile.

• Butter, Oil: Provides golden-brown crust and prevents sticking, choose neutral oil like vegetable or clarified butter for authentic preparation.

How to Make Authentic German Frikadellen Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Grab a soft kaiser roll and submerge it in water for 10 minutes. Once softened, drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Crumble the bread into tiny fragments with your fingers.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Blend

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Chopped onion
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Tangy mustard
• Marjoram
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Patties

Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Gently form the meat mixture into round, flat patties about the size of your palm. Aim for a thickness that allows even cooking.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place patties in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook each side for 5 minutes until a rich brown crust forms. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling frikadellen to a plate. Pair with classic German sides like potato salad, sauerkraut, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a quick bite, nestle them in a sandwich with a dollop of mustard.

Tips for Making the Best German Frikadellen

• Bread Soaking Secret: Squeeze out excess water completely from the kaiser roll to prevent soggy, watery frikadellen that might fall apart during cooking.
• Moisture Magic: Keep hands slightly wet when shaping patties to create smooth, non-sticky surfaces that hold together perfectly during frying.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure frikadellen reach 160F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking or drying out.
• Flavor Boost: Add extra depth by incorporating finely minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture for enhanced taste profile.
• Dietary Swap: Replace ground pork with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter, more diet-friendly frikadellen without compromising traditional texture.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Frikadellen

• Store leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen Frikadellen stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Warm patties over medium-low heat with a splash of oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Place Frikadellen on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

What Goes Well with German Frikadellen

• Grab a crisp German pilsner like Warsteiner or Bitburger to complement the savory meat patties. The light, hoppy beer cuts through the richness of the frikadellen and cleanses the palate with its refreshing carbonation.
• Select a robust German-style whole grain or Dijon mustard to serve alongside the frikadellen. The tangy, slightly spicy condiment enhances the meat's flavor and provides a delightful zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare traditional German potato salad dressed with a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise. The warm, slightly acidic potatoes create a perfect balance with the crispy, hearty meat patties and add a classic regional touch to the meal.
• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like a Spätburgunder (German Pinot Noir) that offers enough acidity and light tannins to complement the frikadellen's rich meat profile. Its subtle fruit notes will harmonize beautifully with the herbs and spices in the patties.

Tasty Variations on German Frikadellen

• Gluten-Free Frikadellen: Replace kaiser roll with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, ensuring the same binding consistency while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains the traditional German flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Create plant-based patties using lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa as protein replacements, incorporating similar herbs and spices for authentic taste.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt content and use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor while cutting down on sodium for heart-conscious individuals.

Frikadellen Questions and Helpful Answers

• What are Frikadellen in German cuisine?

Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, similar to meatballs or hamburgers, but with a distinct German flavor profile using ingredients like marjoram and mustard.

• Why do I need to soak the bread for this recipe?

Soaking the kaiser roll helps create a moist and tender texture in the meat patties. The bread acts as a binding agent and adds softness to the Frikadellen, preventing them from becoming dense or dry.

• Can I use only ground beef instead of a beef and pork mixture?

While you can use just ground beef, the combination of beef and pork provides a richer flavor and more tender texture that is characteristic of traditional German Frikadellen. The mix of meats creates a more complex taste.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C). Alternatively, cut into the center of a patty to ensure there’s no pink meat and the juices run clear, indicating the Frikadellen are safely cooked through.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

German Frikadellen shine as classic comfort meat patties from hearty German cuisine. Savory ground beef blends with onions and herbs, creating crispy-edged delights perfect for family dinners that transport you straight to a cozy German kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• ⅔ pound (300 grams) ground beef
• ⅓ pound (150 grams) ground pork

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 kaiser roll (or any white bread roll)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon mustard (preferably German or Dijon)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Immerse the kaiser roll in a water bath, allowing it to soften for approximately 10 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess liquid and delicately crumble the bread into fine fragments.
2. Transfer the bread remnants into a spacious mixing vessel, combining ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, egg, fresh parsley, tangy mustard, aromatic marjoram, vibrant paprika, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly amalgamate the ingredients until a uniform mixture emerges.
3. Moisten your palms to prevent adhesion, then sculpt the meat blend into circular patties. Aim for a diameter of 3-4 inches with a modest thickness, ensuring consistent shape and even cooking potential.
4. Warm butter or oil in a substantial skillet over medium temperature. Carefully position the patties, maintaining adequate spacing between each. Sear for approximately 5 minutes per side, cultivating a rich golden-brown exterior while guaranteeing complete internal cooking. Verify doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 160F (70C).
5. Extract the frikadellen from the cooking surface, allowing a brief resting period. Present these traditional German delicacies alongside classic accompaniments like potato salad, tangy sauerkraut, or creamy mashed potatoes. For versatility, they can also be enjoyed chilled within sandwiches or as a standalone snack with a dollop of robust mustard.

Notes

• Bread Soaking Tip: Use slightly stale kaiser rolls for better texture and absorption, preventing soggy patties.
• Meat Blending Technique: Mix ingredients gently with your hands to maintain a light, tender texture without overworking the meat.
• Temperature Control: Ensure medium heat when frying to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning the patties.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground meats with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat for a vegetarian version, or use lean turkey for a healthier option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg