Frikadellen German Hamburgers Recipe

I absolutely love this Frikadellen recipe because it’s a nostalgic reminder of the comfort food I grew up with, blending simple ingredients into savory perfection. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it an ideal go-to meal for those cozy nights in when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

German hamburgers, or frikadellen, are a delightful and hearty dish that I love for their rich flavors. They are made from 500g ground beef, enhanced with 1 finely chopped onion, 1 egg, mustard, and a handful of breadcrumbs.

Fresh parsley adds a hint of green, and paprika offers a touch of warm spice, but some left the paprika out and used nutmeg instead. Whatever the case, the mixture then gets blended together—you could use a food processor, but if you want to achieve the right consistency, you should probably do it by hand.

Then, the patties are pan-fried in oil until they’re golden brown.

Ingredients

Beef, ground: A high-protein source, it is the meaty foundation of Frikadellen.

Onion: Provides moisture and sweetness, along with dietary fiber and essential vitamins.

Egg: Serves as a binder and offers extra protein along with valuable nutrients.

Mustard: Contains trace minerals and antioxidants and delivers a flavor that’s tangy and bold.

Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the mixture, though it’s a carb source.

Parsley: Provides a fresh taste; it is packed with vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, onion, egg, mustard, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

2. With your hands or a spatula, mix the components together well until they are fully combined and the mixture is homogeneous.

3. Portion the mixture equally and form each portion into a flat patty that is 1 to 2 cm thick.

4. Place the vegetable oil in a large frying pan and heat it over medium.

5. Maintain the heat of the oil before adding the batches of patties with care; do not overcrowd the pan.

6.

7. Ensure that the patties are cooked thoroughly by flipping them and cooking on the other side for 4 to 5 minutes.

8. Take the patties out of the frying pan and put them on a plate. The plate should be lined with paper towels so that any excess oil can be absorbed.

9. Allow the Frikadellen to sit for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juicy character before serving.

10. Serve piping hot alongside your selection of accompaniments: potatoes, salad, or bread. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Large frying pan
7. Spatula or tongs
8. Plate
9. Paper towels

FAQ

• What is the origin of Frikadellen?A dish similar to meat patties or hamburgers, Frikadellen are a traditional German delicacy savored by many across Europe.
• Can I use any other type of meat?Although the recipe calls for ground beef, you can use or blend with ground pork, turkey, or chicken for a different taste.
• How can I make the Frikadellen gluten-free?Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers can substitute for breadcrumbs.
• What can I serve with Frikadellen?Potato salad, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, and steamed vegetables are a great accompaniment to these.
• Can these be prepared in advance?Yes, Frikadellen can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two or in the freezer for up to three months.
• Do I have to use fresh parsley?A burst of flavor comes from fresh parsley, but if it is not available, dried parsley can be used as a substitute.
• Is there a recommended mustard type?A mild mustard is usually preferred to ensure it doesn’t overpower the other flavors, but you can use any mustard you like.

Substitutions and Variations

Minced beef: Minced pork Minced turkey
Panko breadcrumbs Crushed crackers
Parsley, fresh: Parsley, dried (use half the amount) Cilantro, fresh
Dijon mustard: Mustard Yellow mustard
Cooking oil: Olive oil Sunflower oil

Pro Tips

1. For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion in a bit of butter or olive oil before mixing it with the other ingredients. This can enhance the sweetness and depth of the onion flavor in the patties.

2. Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes before forming the patties. This can help the flavors meld together and make the patties hold their shape better during cooking.

3. When forming the patties, make a slight indentation in the center of each one. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.

4. Use a mix of vegetable oil and a small amount of butter for frying to add richness to the patties’ crust while still maintaining a high smoke point for frying.

5. If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or a smoky-style paprika to the mixture before forming the patties.