Description
Authentic German Frikadellen are savory pan-fried meat patties made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, combined with onions, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. These juicy, flavorful patties are a traditional comfort food in Germany, perfect served hot alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Shape the Patties: Form the meat mixture into patties about 1/2 inch thick. You should be able to make approximately 6-8 patties depending on size.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Frikadellen: Place the patties in the skillet and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked Frikadellen from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad for a complete German-style meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground veal or a mix of different meats for varied flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or ground nuts.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or mustard to the meat mixture can enhance the traditional flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning of the patties.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
