Authentic German Frikadellen
Whether served hot with mustard and potatoes or cold as a sandwich filler, frikadellen bring comfort and nostalgia to the table.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Plate with Paper Towels
Ingredients
For the Frikadellen
- 500 g about 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 slice of white bread crust removed, soaked in 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Onion
- Remove the crust from the slice of bread and place the soft part in a small bowl.
- Pour about 3 tablespoons of milk over the bread and let it soak until it’s soft, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and parsley. Set aside.
- Pro Tip: Use stale bread if you have it—it soaks up the milk better and adds better texture.
Step 2: Mix the Meat and Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat.
- Squeeze the excess milk from the soaked bread gently and crumble the bread into the meat.
- Add the chopped onion, parsley, egg, mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until just combined.
- Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing; too much handling can make the frikadellen tough. Mix gently but thoroughly.
Step 3: Shape the Frikadellen
- Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.
- Take about a golf-ball-sized amount of the meat mixture and shape it into a flat oval patty, roughly 1 cm (about ½ inch) thick.
- Place each shaped frikadelle on a clean plate or tray.
- Pro Tip: Keep the patties evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
Step 4: Fry the Frikadellen
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the frikadellen, leaving some space between them. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Don’t press down on the patties while frying; this squeezes out the juices and dries them out.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Transfer the cooked frikadellen onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: ~400mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.