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Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe

5 from 90 reviews

Authentic German Frikadellen are flavorful, juicy pan-fried meat patties made with ground beef, onions, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, and Dijon mustard. These traditional German meatballs are a perfect comfort food served hot and golden brown from the skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and gather all the ingredients for the meat mixture to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Form Patties: Shape the meat mixture into uniform patties about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels before serving to keep them crispy and not greasy.

Notes

  • For best results, use ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to keep the patties juicy.
  • Fresh breadcrumbs help bind the meat and retain moisture better than dry crumbs.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
  • Serve with mustard, potato salad, or sauerkraut for an authentic German meal.
  • Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding patties to prevent sticking.

Keywords: German frikadellen, pan-fried meat patties, traditional German meatballs, ground beef patties, authentic German recipe