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Authentic German Frikadelle: More Than Just a Burger, It’s a Culinary Hug

Authentic German Frikadelle: More Than Just a Burger, It's a Culinary Hug

Frikadellen are classic German meat patties that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to picnics. This recipe combines ground beef and pork with onions, mustard, and fresh herbs for a perfectly seasoned, tender patty.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef and pork mix

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Sauté onions: Heat a little oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

  2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onions, mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.

  3. Shape patties: Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, about ¾ inch thick.

  4. Fry patties: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook patties 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

  5. Drain and serve: Remove Frikadellen from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with mustard, pickles, or a side salad.

Notes

  • Mix gently: Overworking the meat can make the patties tough. Combine ingredients just until evenly mixed.

  • Sautéed onions: Adds sweetness and moisture—don’t skip this step.

  • Uniform size: Make patties the same size for even cooking.

  • Serving suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, German potato salad, or in a sandwich roll with mustard for a classic touch.