Savory German Frikadellen Delights

$To make tasty German Frikadellen, gather these key ingredients: - 500g ground beef - 200g ground pork - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika powder - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 large egg - 100g breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich flavor and nice texture. The mix of beef and pork provides juiciness. The spices and mustard add depth. You can boost flavor with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley These extras add a unique twist. Worcestershire sauce gives umami, while herbs brighten the dish. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your taste: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter option. - Swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or oats for a different texture. - Replace Dijon mustard with yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor. These swaps keep the essence of Frikadellen while allowing for personal flair. Enjoy crafting your perfect patty! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking a large bowl. Add 500g of ground beef and 200g of ground pork. This mix gives Frikadellen great flavor. Next, add one medium onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic gives a nice kick. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of paprika powder for warmth. Then, add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. Now, crack one large egg into the bowl. This acts as a binder. Add 100g of breadcrumbs to soak up moisture and keep the patties firm. Season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. Get your hands in there and mix it all well. You want each bite to burst with flavor. Once your meat mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the patties. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a round patty about 2 cm thick. This size cooks evenly and keeps the inside juicy. For a crispy crust, lightly coat each patty with extra breadcrumbs. This step is key for that satisfying crunch. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the patties. Be careful not to crowd the pan; this helps them brown nicely. Cook the Frikadellen for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Flip them gently to avoid breaking. Keep an eye on the heat, adjusting if necessary to prevent burning. Once they are golden brown and cooked through, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil. For a pretty finish, garnish your Frikadellen with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation with potato salad or pickled cucumbers for a true German experience! For tasty Frikadellen, mixing is key. Use your hands to blend the meats. This ensures the flavors meld well. Add the onion, garlic, and spices into the meat. Mix until everything is well combined. If the mix feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. This helps the patties hold their shape. Keep a close eye on your frying pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. If it gets too hot, the outside will burn. Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach at least 160°F. This keeps your Frikadellen juicy, not dry. Frikadellen shine when paired well. Serve them with potato salad for a classic touch. Pickled cucumbers add a nice crunch. You can also add mustard for a zesty kick. For a fun touch, place them on a wooden board. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. These simple sides make your meal feel special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavor of your Frikadellen. Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice levels according to your taste preferences; adding a pinch of cayenne can give it an extra kick. Resting Time: Allow the formed patties to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying; this helps in better texture and flavor integration. Experiment with Fillings: Add a surprise ingredient like cheese or chopped olives in the center of the patties for a delicious twist. {{image_4}} German Frikadellen have many tasty twists based on where you are. In northern Germany, cooks often add fresh fish or seafood. This brings a unique flavor to the patties. In the south, you might find cheese mixed in for extra richness. Each region adds local herbs and spices, too. For example, some use caraway seeds or marjoram. These add depth and warmth to the dish. You can easily make Frikadellen without meat. Use cooked lentils or chickpeas as a base. Mash them up and mix in finely chopped onions and garlic. You can also add grated carrots or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Use bread crumbs made from whole wheat or gluten-free bread if needed. A flaxseed meal can replace the egg to bind everything together. These alternatives keep the same great taste while being plant-based. Spices can change the whole flavor of your Frikadellen. Instead of thyme, try using oregano or basil for a fresh twist. For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also use curry powder for a fun, unique taste. Experimenting with spices can turn a classic dish into something new and exciting. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite flavor profile! After cooking, let your Frikadellen cool to room temperature. This step helps keep their texture. Place the patties in an airtight container. If you stack them, add parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your container with the date. To reheat your Frikadellen, use a skillet on low heat. This method warms them evenly. Add a bit of oil to the pan to keep them moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping carefully. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Place the patties on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Freezing Frikadellen is easy and keeps them fresh. First, let the patties cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped patties in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best taste. The best meat combination for Frikadellen is ground beef and ground pork. I use 500g of ground beef and 200g of ground pork. This mix gives a rich flavor and a nice texture. You can adjust the ratio to your taste, but this combination works great for traditional German Frikadellen. Yes, you can bake German Frikadellen! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the patties on a lined baking tray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Baking is a healthier option and still yields tasty results. Just remember, they may not be as crispy as frying them. To check if your Frikadellen are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. It should be no longer pink inside. Golden brown outside and cooked through means they are ready to enjoy! In this post, I covered everything you need for great German Frikadellen. We explored essential ingredients, optional flavors, and substitutions to suit your taste. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you in preparation, forming patties, and frying them to perfection. You also learned tips for the right texture and serving ideas, plus variations for everyone. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers for the best taste. Now, you can create delicious Frikadellen that impress your friends and family. Enjoy cooking and tasting your homemade dish!$

Savory German Frikadellen Delights

Delicious German-style meat patties made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine German

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

500 g ground beef
200 g ground pork
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 large egg
100 g breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
to taste Salt and black pepper
to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
Incorporate the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika powder, Dijon mustard, egg, and 100g of breadcrumbs into the meat mixture.
Season generously with salt and black pepper. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Once the mixture is homogenous, form it into round patties, approximately 2 cm thick. Lightly coat each patty in extra breadcrumbs.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the patties into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.
Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping them gently, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once they’re beautifully browned, transfer the Frikadellen to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
To serve, garnish the Frikadellen with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with potato salad or pickled cucumbers for an authentic experience.

Keyword Frikadellen, German meat patties, savory