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Frikadellen (Meatball Patties)

Frikadellen are traditional German meat patties that are hearty, flavorful, and a staple of home-cooked meals and beer garden menus. Made from a mixture of ground meat, typically pork, beef, or a combination of both, the patties are seasoned with onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of spices like paprika, parsley, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into round, flattened patties and pan-fried until golden brown on the outside and juicy inside. Frikadellen are often served with mustard, potato salad, or a side of crusty bread, making them a versatile dish for lunch, dinner, or even picnics. While similar to meatballs, frikadellen are larger and flatter, offering a distinctive texture and flavor. This beloved dish showcases Germany's tradition of creating satisfying meals from simple, wholesome ingredients.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 kaiser roll
  • ⅔ lb (302 g) ground beef
  • ⅓ lb (151 g) ground pork
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp (2.3 g) hot paprika (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) cooking oil

Directions

  1. Place kaiser roll in a bowl, add water to cover, and let soak for 10 minutes.

  2. Drain roll, squeeze out excess water, and crumble it into a large bowl.

  3. Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, parsley, egg, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper, mix with your hands until well combined.

  4. Shape mixture into golf ball-size balls and flatten them using the palm of your hand.

  5. Pour cooking oil into a large skillet set over medium heat.

  6. Add meat patties to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and fry them for about 5 minutes per side until browned and no longer pink in the center.

  7. Transfer patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and serve them hot. 

Notes

  • An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty should read at least 160°F (70°C).