Oh, let me tell you about authentic German frikadellen! These savory meat patties are a staple in German cuisine, and they hold a special place in my heart (and stomach!). The first time I tried them was at a cozy little bistro in Berlin, where the smell of sizzling meat wafted through the air and made my mouth water. I was hooked! They’re made from a delicious mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned just right, and they remind me of my grandmother’s cooking—warm, comforting, and downright satisfying. What I love most is how versatile they are; you can pair them with a variety of sides or sauces, making them perfect for any meal. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Authentic German Frikadellen
Let’s gather everything we need to whip up these mouthwatering frikadellen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g ground beef
- 200g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in milk until soft
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
Now, make sure that the bread is really soaked through—this helps keep the patties moist and tender! Also, don’t skimp on the fresh parsley; it adds a lovely burst of flavor and color. You’ll find that these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special!
How to Prepare Authentic German Frikadellen
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting part—making these delicious frikadellen! The process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with some seriously tasty patties. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the 500g of ground beef and 200g of ground pork. This combination gives the patties a fantastic flavor and texture.
- Next, take those two slices of bread that you’ve soaked in milk until soft, and add them to the meat mixture. It might seem a bit strange, but trust me, this keeps everything juicy!
- Now, sprinkle in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley. It’s time to get your hands in there—mix everything until well combined. Don’t be shy; this is where all the flavors come together!
- Once mixed, form the mixture into patties, about the size of your palm. I usually make them about 1 inch thick, so they cook evenly.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan for a nice golden crust.
- Carefully place the patties into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan.
- Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. And voila! Your authentic German frikadellen are ready to be devoured!
Just a tip: You might want to taste a little piece to check the seasoning before frying all of them. You can adjust salt and spices to your liking. Enjoy this delightful cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for these delicious authentic German frikadellen. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These meat patties pack a satisfying punch while still being a great option for a hearty meal. Enjoy them guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, there are so many reasons to adore these authentic German frikadellen! They’re not just another meat patty; they’re a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make every bite a joy. Here’s why I think you’ll love making them:
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip these up in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef, pork, and spices creates a rich, savory taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Satisfying Meal Option: These patties are hearty and filling, making them an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
- Versatile: Pair them with mustard, sauces, or your favorite sides like potatoes or salad for a meal that suits your mood.
Trust me, once you try these frikadellen, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
Tips for Success with Authentic German Frikadellen
To ensure your authentic German frikadellen turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when mixing the meat, don’t overwork it—just combine until everything is blended. Overmixing can lead to tough patties, and nobody wants that! Also, be sure the bread is well-soaked; this moisture is key for keeping them tender.
When frying, let the oil heat up properly before adding the patties; a hot skillet helps achieve that lovely golden crust. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan! Give each patty enough space to cook evenly. Lastly, if you’re unsure about the seasoning, taste a small piece of the raw mixture before cooking—it’s the perfect way to adjust flavors to your liking.
With these tips, you’ll be a frikadellen pro in no time!
Variations on Authentic German Frikadellen
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put a twist on these authentic German frikadellen! For starters, try swapping out the ground beef and pork for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can even go fully vegetarian by using lentils or chickpeas as a base—just mash them up and blend in your favorite seasonings!
Looking to spice things up? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also bring a unique flavor to the patties. And don’t forget about cheese! Mixing in some grated cheese like cheddar or feta can add a delightful creaminess.
Feel free to experiment with spices too—cumin or coriander can add an exciting twist, while a hint of smoked paprika brings a wonderful depth. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these frikadellen your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious authentic German frikadellen ready, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them! One of my favorite pairings is a simple potato salad—its creamy texture complements the savory patties so well. You could also go for classic mashed potatoes, drizzled with a bit of gravy for that comforting touch.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully, adding a nice crunch to your meal. Don’t forget about dipping sauces! A good quality mustard is a must; it adds a fantastic zing. You can also serve them with a side of homemade barbecue sauce or a zesty garlic aioli for a twist. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your frikadellen experience to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover authentic German frikadellen (which is totally likely because they’re so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness. To do this, let the patties cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Now, if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the frikadellen! Just wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
For reheating, I recommend placing them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll stay juicy and delicious, just like when you first made them!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup.
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Authentic German Frikadellen: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Authentic German Frikadellen are savory meat patties made from ground meat, spices, and onions.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 200g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, and soaked bread.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pairs well with potatoes or salad.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: authentic german frikadellen
