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Frikadellen: Classic German Meat Patties Recipe

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4.2 from 33 reviews

Frikadellen are traditional German pan-fried meat patties made with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, onion, fresh parsley, and spices. Soft white bread soaks up moisture, while mustard and paprika bring a lovely kick to these juicy, tender meatballs. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner served with potatoes or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 white bread roll/bun, preferably 1-2 days old
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lb ground meat, half ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons German mustard (or Dijon mustard)
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (Himalayan or sea salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

For Frying

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter, for pan frying (or use 3 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil or clarified butter/ghee)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Soak the white bread roll in a little water until it is soft, then squeeze out excess moisture. This helps to keep the frikadellen moist and tender.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Let the onions cool slightly.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, soaked bread, sautéed onions, finely chopped parsley, egg, German mustard, ground paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
  4. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized oval patties, about 1-2 inches thick and 3-4 inches wide, depending on your preference.
  5. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
  6. Pan Fry the Frikadellen: Place the patties in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the outside is nicely browned and the inside is cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
  7. Serve: Remove from the pan and let rest a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides like potatoes, sauerkraut, or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Using a bread roll that is 1-2 days old helps the bread absorb moisture better and adds texture.
  • If preferred, you can substitute German mustard with Dijon mustard without compromising flavor.
  • For a richer taste, use clarified butter or ghee instead of olive oil for frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • These can be made ahead and reheated gently in a pan or oven.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/frikadellen-classic-german-meat-patties-recipe/