Description
Frikadellen are a classic German comfort food—flavorful, pan-fried patties made with ground meat, bread, and spices. These juicy “German hamburgers” are perfect as a main dish, sandwich filling, or even a snack. Traditionally served with potato salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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
- Prepare the bread mixture: Soak the slice of stale bread in milk for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread into small pieces. Set aside.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, onion, garlic, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, marjoram (if using), and parsley. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the Frikadellen: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into a flat oval-shaped patty, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the Frikadellen: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Serve: Serve warm with potato salad, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Leftover Frikadellen are delicious served cold in sandwiches with mustard or pickles.
- If you prefer baking, cook the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Frikadelle
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg