Description
Authentic Frikadellen are traditional German meatball patties made with a blend of ground beef and pork, flavored with sautéed onions, garlic, mustard, parsley, and a touch of nutmeg. These savory patties are soaked in milk-soaked breadcrumbs for moistness, pan-fried to a golden brown, and perfect as a hearty main dish or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lbs ground pork
- 1 large onion, very finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons milk (more or less as needed)
- 2 teaspoons mustard (preferably German or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Cooking Fat
- Lard or butter for sautéing onion and garlic
- Butter or oil for frying the patties
Instructions
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Soak the breadcrumbs in milk until the liquid is fully absorbed. This step ensures the Frikadellen remain moist and tender once cooked.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat a bit of lard or butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic for the last 60 seconds of cooking, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled onion and garlic mixture with the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well using your hands to evenly distribute the flavors. Next, add the ground beef and pork and mix gently until fully combined, being careful not to overmix as this can toughen the meat.
- Form Patties: With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the meat mixture into flattened meatball patties. This recipe yields about 6 to 8 patties depending on desired size.
- Cook Frikadellen: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties in batches without crowding the pan. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 71°C (160°F) for food safety.
Notes
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is essential for moist and tender Frikadellen.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties are cooked safely; 71°C (160°F) is recommended.
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep the texture light and juicy.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried herbs if needed.
- These patties can be served with mustard, pickles, or German potato salad for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Frikadellen, German meatballs, meatball patties, pan-fried meatballs, traditional German recipes
