Name: Authentic German Frikadellen: Juicy, Pan-Fried Meat Patties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 250 g ground beef; 1 stale bread roll or 2 slices of stale bread; 100 ml milk; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2–3 tablespoons oil, for frying

Authentic German Frikadellen: Juicy, Pan-Fried Meat Patties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients like ground meat, bread, and onions, but the result is full of flavor.
Juicy and Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, along with the soaked bread, makes the patties incredibly juicy and tender.
Versatile: Serve these patties with potatoes, salads, or even on a sandwich. They’re perfect for any meal of the day.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, Frikadellen are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty snack.
Great for Meal Prep: They can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and enjoyed later, making them perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

250 g ground beef
1 stale bread roll or 2 slices of stale bread
100 ml milk
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons oil, for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Soak the stale bread in milk for 5–10 minutes until it becomes soft. Squeeze out the excess milk and set the soaked bread aside.

2. Sauté the Onion

In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent. Let it cool slightly.

3. Mix the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion, soaked bread, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix everything gently until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the patties tender.

4. Shape the Patties

With damp hands, shape the mixture into palm-sized patties about ¾ inch thick. This will help them cook evenly.

5. Fry the Patties

Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

6. Rest the Patties

Once cooked, transfer the Frikadellen to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes.

7. Serve

Serve the Frikadellen warm with your favorite sides such as potatoes, salad, or enjoy them cold in a sandwich or wrap.

Notes

Bread Choice: Use stale bread or a bread roll to get the right texture for the patties. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread to achieve a similar effect.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before shaping the patties and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a little garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Storage: Frikadellen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Freezing: These patties freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen by frying in a pan or baking them.

Serving Suggestions

With Potatoes: Serve the Frikadellen alongside mashed potatoes, potato salad, or roasted potatoes for a traditional German meal.
In a Roll: These patties are also great for a hearty sandwich. Simply place one or two Frikadellen in a crusty roll with some mustard or ketchup for a delicious snack.
With Salad: Pair them with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Frikadellen in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before cooking.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef, but keep in mind that the Frikadellen may be a little less juicy since turkey is leaner than beef.

3. Can I bake the Frikadellen instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a lighter option.

4. How do I make sure the Frikadellen stay juicy?

The key to juicy Frikadellen is not overworking the meat mixture and making sure the bread is thoroughly soaked in milk. Also, don’t overcook them—4–5 minutes per side should be perfect.

5. Can I freeze these Frikadellen?

Yes, these patties freeze well. You can freeze them before or after cooking. Just be sure to let them cool before freezing if cooked, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Conclusion

Authentic German Frikadellen are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. These savory meat patties, made with ground beef, onions, and simple seasonings, are a true comfort food. Whether you serve them with potatoes, in a sandwich, or with a side of fresh salad, these Frikadellen are perfect for any occasion. Simple to make, satisfying, and delicious—this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Authentic German Frikadellen: Juicy, Pan-Fried Meat Patties

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients