Description
Authentic German Frikadellen are traditional pan-fried meat patties made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, soaked bread, onions, and select seasonings. These juicy, savory patties are perfect served with potato salad, mustard, or fresh bread, offering a comforting taste of classic German cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely grated or very finely diced
- 1 day-old bread roll or 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon German mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
Instructions
- Soak the bread: Soak the bread roll pieces in milk for about 10 minutes until soft, then squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid sogginess in the mixture.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, ground pork, soaked bread, onion, egg, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Use your hands to combine just until the mixture is evenly incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the Frikadellen: Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties roughly the size of your palm and flatten them slightly for even cooking.
- Heat the fat: Warm oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is hot enough before cooking the patties to achieve a nice sear.
- Cook the patties: Fry the Frikadellen for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust and are cooked through internally. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing their moist texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the meat mixture for 30 minutes before shaping the patties.
- You may substitute all beef or all pork if preferred, though the traditional blend of both yields the most authentic taste.
- Serve the Frikadellen with potato salad, mustard, or fresh bread for a classic German meal experience.
