Frikadellen: A German-Style Meatball Recipe with Flavorful Seasoning

Frikadellen are classic German meatballs that are savory, juicy, and full of rich flavor. Whether served with potatoes, a side of salad, or on a sandwich, these meatballs bring comfort and authenticity to any meal. With a perfect balance of beef, pork, and aromatic seasonings, Frikadellen are easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or as a satisfying dish for entertaining.

For more tips on making German dishes and similar recipes, check out these resources:

• Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe
• Traditional German Meatball Guide

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect Frikadellen, starting with a blend of pork, beef, and simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Authentic Frikadellen Recipe: German-Style Meatballs with Savory Flavor

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 patties 1x

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Description

Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties, often referred to as “German meatballs.” Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onion, garlic, and a mix of spices, these juicy and flavorful patties are perfect for any meal. Often served with potatoes, sauerkraut, or in a sandwich, Frikadellen is a comfort food staple that’s easy to prepare and universally loved.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 slices day-old white bread

• 1/2 cup 2% milk

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

• 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 3/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Soak:

   • Tear the day-old white bread into small pieces and place it in a medium bowl.

   • Pour the 2% milk over the bread and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is fully softened.

2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:

   • In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Combine the Meat Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.

   • Add the soaked bread, sautéed onion and garlic, minced parsley, beaten egg, yellow mustard, salt, paprika, pepper, dried marjoram, and ground mace.

   • Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until evenly incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to form into patties.

4. Shape the Frikadellen:

   • Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and shape the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. You should get about 8-10 patties, depending on the size.

5. Cook the Frikadellen:

   • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

   • Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C). Flip the patties carefully to ensure they cook evenly.

6. Serve:

   • Once the Frikadellen are cooked, remove them from the skillet and drain any excess oil on paper towels.

   • Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Frikadellen can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

For a crispy exterior, you can cook the patties at a slightly higher heat, but be careful not to burn them.

You can customize the seasoning to taste, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or more herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty
• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Frikadellen

Instructions:

1. Soak the Bread:
   Start by tearing the day-old bread into small pieces and soaking it in 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and mushy.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the soaked bread mixture to the meat and mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon.
3. Add the Aromatics:
   In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding it to the meat mixture.
4. Season the Mixture:
   To the meat mixture, add the beaten egg, yellow mustard, salt, paprika, pepper, dried marjoram, and ground mace. Then, add the minced parsley and mix everything together until fully combined.
5. Form the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties or meatballs (about 8-10 patties, depending on your preferred size).
6. Cook the Frikadellen:
   In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Frikadellen to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. You can test the doneness by cutting one open — it should no longer be pink in the center.
7. Serve:
   Remove the Frikadellen from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve with your favorite sides like boiled potatoes, sauerkraut, or a simple salad.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Frikadellen

Frikadellen are straightforward to prepare, but a few additional tips can elevate your recipe and make them even more delicious.

1. Adding Flavor with Herbs and Spices

You can experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to customize the flavor profile of your Frikadellen. For a deeper taste, consider adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the meat mixture.

2. The Right Texture

The key to a good Frikadellen is achieving the right balance between tenderness and firmness. The soaked bread helps bind the meat while making the patties tender, but make sure not to overwork the mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more bread or breadcrumbs to adjust the consistency.

3. Pan-Frying vs. Oven Baking

Traditional Frikadellen are pan-fried to achieve a crisp, golden crust. However, for a healthier version, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method requires less oil and still yields juicy results.

4. Double-Cooking for Extra Crispiness

For extra crispy Frikadellen, you can first pan-fry them to achieve a golden brown exterior, then transfer them to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This ensures that the center stays juicy while the outside becomes extra crispy.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Frikadellen are a great dish to make in advance, and proper storage ensures they stay fresh and tasty for days.

Storage

Frikadellen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them to avoid condensation inside the container.

Reheating

To reheat Frikadellen, heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but pan-frying gives them a better texture.

Freezing

Frikadellen freeze very well. After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Frikadellen is a versatile dish, and there are several ways to adapt it to different dietary needs or preferences.

1. Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version of Frikadellen, use gluten-free bread or substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

2. Dairy-Free Version

Frikadellen are naturally dairy-free if you use dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, in place of regular milk for soaking the bread. Additionally, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

3. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and pork with a plant-based protein such as lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. You may need to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the different flavors of the substitute.

4. Low-Carb Version

To make Frikadellen more keto-friendly or low-carb, omit the bread and use ground almonds or crushed pork rinds as a binder instead. You can also serve the Frikadellen with a low-carb side such as cauliflower rice.

FAQs About the Recipe

Q: Can I use only ground beef in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use only ground beef if you prefer, but the mixture of ground beef and pork gives the Frikadellen more moisture and flavor.

Q: What should I serve with Frikadellen?

A: Frikadellen are traditionally served with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad. They also make great sandwiches when paired with mustard and pickles.

Q: How do I make my Frikadellen juicier?

A: To make Frikadellen juicier, avoid overworking the meat mixture. The bread and milk will help keep the patties moist. Also, ensure that you don’t cook them for too long.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frikadellen are a delicious and satisfying meal that can easily be customized to fit various dietary needs. With a combination of ground beef, pork, and aromatic spices, these savory meatballs offer a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with potatoes, a side salad, or as a sandwich, Frikadellen is sure to please your taste buds. So go ahead and give this traditional German recipe a try—your family and friends will love it!