Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)

If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful comfort food, then let me introduce you to Frikadellen—Germany’s answer to a perfectly seasoned hamburger. These little patties of ground meat are juicy, tender, and packed with savory spices that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Imagine crispy, golden-brown patties on the outside, while inside they’re bursting with flavors from herbs, onions, and a touch of mustard. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal that feels special. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)

This dish is more than just a delicious meal—it’s about creating an experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, impressing friends at a dinner party, or making something for the family, Frikadellen will always hit the spot. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile: You can serve these as a main dish, alongside potatoes, or even in a bun like a burger. They’re also great as leftovers, making them a perfect option for meal prep.

Budget-Friendly: Frikadellen uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to hunt for special ingredients or expensive cuts of meat—these tasty patties are made with basics that create extraordinary flavors.

Quick and Easy: It’s a straightforward recipe with minimal prep, so you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull this off. Even beginners can master these delicious patties!

Customizable: Love a little heat? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Just tone down the seasonings to your liking. This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves a good Frikadelle. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone satisfied.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes these Frikadellen so mouthwatering—a blend of simple ingredients that come together for one irresistible dish:

Ground Meat: Typically a mix of pork and beef, this is the heart of the dish. The pork adds richness and moisture, while the beef gives it that savory, meaty flavor.

Bread: Soaked in milk, the bread helps to keep the Frikadellen juicy and tender. It’s a secret ingredient that makes the texture perfect, so don’t skip it!

Onion: Chopped finely, the onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the patties. It caramelizes as it cooks, creating that delicious savory aroma that makes everyone hungry.

Garlic: A couple of cloves minced up really amp up the flavor. Garlic adds that earthy, warm kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Egg: The egg helps bind everything together, making the patties hold their shape while cooking. It also adds a little richness.

Mustard: A spoonful of mustard gives these Frikadellen that little tang and zing that sets them apart from other meatballs or burgers.

Spices: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and marjoram gives these patties that perfect flavor profile. Marjoram is a classic herb used in German cooking, and it adds a delicate floral note that makes the Frikadellen feel authentic.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It’s perfect for garnishing just before serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these delicious Frikadellen? Let’s walk through the steps!

Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. You want it hot enough to crisp up the outside of the patties, but not so hot that they burn.

Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a small bowl, soak the bread in milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften up and then squeeze out any excess milk. This step helps the bread bind with the meat and keeps everything moist.

Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, mustard, and spices. Mix everything together until fully incorporated, but don’t overwork it—just enough to bring everything together.

Shape the Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into oval or round patties, depending on your preference. Try to keep them even in size for consistent cooking.

Cook to Perfection: Place the patties in the preheated skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can test the doneness by cutting into the center to ensure there’s no pink.

Finishing Touches: Once the Frikadellen are cooked through, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their juices.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve these crispy, flavorful patties warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious results!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)

Frikadellen are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your mood or occasion:

With Potatoes: Serve alongside some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even potato salad. The mild flavors of potatoes pair perfectly with the savory Frikadellen.

In a Bun: Want to turn this into a burger? Place a Frikadelle in a soft bun, add some lettuce, and top with mustard or a dollop of sour cream. It’s like a German hamburger that’s even better than the original.

With Sauerkraut: For a more traditional German twist, serve these Frikadellen with a side of tangy sauerkraut. The sourness of the kraut complements the richness of the meat beautifully.

With a Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the heaviness of the Frikadellen and makes for a well-rounded meal.

As a Snack: These little patties are also great on their own as a snack. Just grab one and go—no need for anything fancy!

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Frikadellen even more amazing:

Make It Ahead: You can prep the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours. This lets the flavors meld together, and it’s a great time-saver for busy nights.

Freeze Them: These Frikadellen freeze really well. Just cook them fully, let them cool, and then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet for a quick meal.

Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix. It’ll give the patties an extra kick that’s sure to spice up the meal.

Serve with Dips: These Frikadellen are perfect for dipping! Try them with mustard, ketchup, or even a creamy horseradish sauce.

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture. The less you handle it, the juicier and more tender your patties will be.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use only beef or only pork?
A1: Absolutely! While the traditional Frikadellen recipe uses a mix of pork and beef, you can use just one type of meat. Beef will give a more hearty flavor, while pork keeps things juicy and tender.

Q2: Can I make these Frikadellen ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, or freeze them for later use.

Q3: What can I use instead of bread?
A3: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs. Alternatively, soaked rice or oats can also work as a substitute.

Q4: How can I make these Frikadellen spicier?
A4: Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot paprika to the mixture for a spicy twist. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Q5: Can I bake the Frikadellen instead of frying them?
A5: Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the skillet or oven.

Q7: Can I freeze Frikadellen?
A7: Yes! After cooking, let them cool and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet when you’re ready to eat.

Q8: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
A8: You can use ground chicken or turkey, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. Adding a bit more fat (like olive oil) can help keep them moist.

Q9: How do I know when the Frikadellen are fully cooked?
A9: The Frikadellen should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check by cutting into one to ensure there’s no pink remaining.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time if you’re making more than one batch at once.

Conclusion

Authentic German Frikadellen (German Hamburgers) are the perfect combination of savory, juicy, and comforting. They’re simple to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you serve them with potatoes, in a bun, or just on their own, these little patties are sure to impress. Try them out today and experience a taste of Germany right in your own kitchen!

Print