Zesty German Frikadellen Recipe for Crunchy Homemade Patties

Meaty and packed with flavor, these traditional German frikadellen dance between rustic comfort and culinary delight.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved ground meat patty recipe across Germany.

The tender mixture blends ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs and spices that sing with each bite.

Finely chopped onions provide a subtle sweetness that complements the rich meat perfectly.

Crisp edges and a juicy center make these pan-fried patties an irresistible meal for any occasion.

You’ll savor every morsel of this classic German comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy German kitchen with these mouthwatering frikadellen.

Equipment for Making Authentic German Frikadellen

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for frying frikadellen to golden-brown perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for adding spices and seasonings accurately.
• Moistened hands: Key for shaping patties without sticky meat mixture.
• Kitchen knife: Needed for chopping onions and parsley finely.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining soaked bread.
• Spatula: Helps flip patties evenly during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures safe internal cooking temperature.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Authentic German Frikadellen

• Kaiser Roll: Adds moisture and binding texture to the meat mixture, choose a fresh, day-old roll for best results.

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Creates rich, hearty flavor profile, select meats with moderate fat content for juicier patties.

• Onion: Provides sharp, aromatic depth, finely chop for even distribution.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh herbal notes, use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor.
• Marjoram: Adds traditional German herb essence, select dried marjoram for concentrated taste.
• Mustard: Delivers tangy undertone, opt for Dijon or German-style mustard for authentic kick.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet color and flavor, choose sweet or smoked variety.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning agents, use freshly ground black pepper for robust taste.

• Egg: Helps hold ingredients together, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.

• Butter, Oil: Creates golden-brown exterior, use clarified butter or neutral cooking oil with high smoke point.

How to Cook Authentic German Frikadellen

• Soften the Bread Roll

Dunk the kaiser roll into water and let it chill for 10 minutes. Squeeze out the liquid and crumble it into tiny pieces.

• Mix the Meat Magic

Toss the bread crumbs, ground beef, ground pork, chopped onions, egg, parsley, mustard, marjoram, paprika, salt, and pepper into a bowl. Blend everything until it looks like a unified delicious mixture.

• Create Tasty Patties

Wet your hands to stop the meat from sticking. Shape the mixture into round, flat discs about the size of your palm and slightly thick.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop the patties in and cook for 5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160F to keep things safe.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull the frikadellen from the pan and let them rest for a moment. Plate them up with classic German sides like potato salad or sauerkraut. They’re awesome hot or cold – perfect for a quick meal or sandwich.

Tips for Authentic German Frikadellen

• Perfect Patty Techniques: Moisten hands with water or oil to prevent meat mixture from sticking when shaping frikadellen, ensuring smooth and uniform patties.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meat mixture and shape patties in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor development and save time.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute kaiser roll with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground rolled oats to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Lean Protein Option: Replace half the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the traditional recipe while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Create a plant-based alternative by using meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or a blend of lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein, keeping the traditional seasoning for authentic taste.

How to Serve Authentic German Frikadellen

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty German bread or rolls to serve alongside the frikadellen, perfect for soaking up delicious meat juices and adding extra texture to the meal.
• Tangy Condiment Delight: Spread whole grain or Dijon mustard on the side, creating a zesty complement that enhances the savory meat flavors and adds a traditional German touch.
• Hearty Side Symphony: Pair the frikadellen with creamy mashed potatoes, traditional German potato salad, or sauerkraut to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates authentic German cuisine.
• Quick Picnic Transformation: Pack cooled frikadellen between fresh bread slices for an incredible portable lunch, ideal for outdoor adventures or quick work-day meals that bring a taste of Germany anywhere.

Storage Guide for German Frikadellen

• Fridge Storage Magic: Wrap cooked frikadellen in airtight containers or sealed plastic wrap to maintain freshness for 3-4 days. Cool them completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Layer patties between parchment paper inside freezer-safe containers. Freeze uncooked or cooked frikadellen for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when properly sealed.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated frikadellen in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a tiny splash of oil to restore crispy exterior. Avoid microwave to prevent texture loss.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Prepare meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and simplifies meal preparation, making cooking faster and more convenient.

Crispy German Frikadellen Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty German frikadellen showcase Berlin’s street food culture with savory ground meat patties. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried, you’ll savor these traditional deutsche delights that bring comfort and flavor to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ⅔ lb (300 g) ground beef
• ⅓ lb (150 g) ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 kaiser roll (or any white bread roll)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp mustard (preferably German or Dijon)
• 2 tbsps butter or oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Submerge kaiser roll in water, letting it soften for 10 minutes. Squeeze out liquid and crumble into fine fragments.
2. Mixture Creation: Combine bread fragments with ground beef, ground pork, onion, egg, parsley, mustard, marjoram, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
3. Patty Formation: Dampen hands and shape meat mixture into uniform circular patties, maintaining 3-4 inch diameter and moderate thickness to ensure even cooking potential.
4. Cooking Process: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place patties with adequate spacing, searing for 5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust. Confirm internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) to guarantee complete cooking.
5. Serving Suggestion: Remove frikadellen from skillet and let rest briefly. Plate alongside traditional German accompaniments like potato salad, sauerkraut, or mashed potatoes. Alternatively, serve chilled in sandwiches or as a snack with mustard.

Notes

• Bread Soaking Technique: Thoroughly soak kaiser roll to ensure optimal moisture and binding texture for the meat mixture.
• Meat Mixing Strategy: Blend ingredients gently but thoroughly, avoiding overmixing which can create dense, tough frikadellen.
• Wet Hand Shaping Trick: Keep hands slightly damp while forming patties to prevent meat from sticking and achieve smooth, uniform shapes.
• Temperature Control Precision: Maintain medium heat during cooking to develop golden-brown crust without burning or drying out the meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg