🇩🇪 Germany · Food
Frikadellen (German Meat Patties)
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
These juicy, flavorful Frikadellen are the ultimate German comfort food, perfect as a main course or a hearty snack. Made from a delicious blend of minced meats, seasoned with fresh herbs and mustard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Enjoy them warm with potato salad or creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by placing the stale bread roll in a small bowl and covering it with 100ml of milk. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes until it's soft and fully absorbed the milk. This step is key for juicy Frikadellen.
- 2
While the bread soaks, finely dice one medium onion. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until it's softened and translucent, but not browned. Let it cool slightly.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 250g of minced beef and 250g of minced pork. Add the cooled sautéed onion, one large egg, and 1 tablespoon of mustard (German or Dijon works wonderfully).
- 4
Squeeze any excess milk from the soaked bread roll, then crumble it into the meat mixture. Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- 5
Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly for about 3-5 minutes. Don't be shy – really work the mixture until it becomes cohesive and slightly sticky. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and prevents the patties from falling apart.
- 6
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly to form an oval or round patty about 1.5-2 cm thick. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- 7
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the Frikadellen in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary).
- 8
Fry for 4-6 minutes on each side until they are deeply golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, they should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. Serve immediately with potato salad or mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare the bread roll for the Frikadellen mixture to achieve the best texture?+
Soak the stale bread roll in milk until completely soft, then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible before crumbling it into the meat mixture. This ensures a tender, not rubbery, patty.
What is the ideal ratio of minced pork to ground beef for authentic Frikadellen, and why?+
A 1:1 ratio of minced pork to ground beef is often preferred as the pork adds moisture and flavor, while the beef provides structure and a richer taste. This blend results in juicy and flavorful patties.
How can I tell when Frikadellen are properly cooked through, and what's a good guideline for cooking time?+
Cook Frikadellen over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through with no pink in the center (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C).
What common mistake should I avoid to ensure my Frikadellen are moist and tender, not dry or tough?+
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can make the Frikadellen tough. Also, ensure you thoroughly squeeze out excess milk from the soaked bread roll to prevent a soggy texture.
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