Frikadellen
Cuisine: German Type: Entree AKA: Meat Patties

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Ground Beef
1 pound (453.592)
Bread Crumbs
0.5 cup (60)
Onion
1 small (100)
Egg
1 large (50)
Milk
2 tablespoon (30)
Parsley
2 tablespoon (10)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5.69)
Black Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (2.84)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Totals
26 oz
(740 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Ground Beef
250
Bread Crumbs
100
Onion
40
Egg
70
Milk
30
Parsley
5
Salt
10
Pepper
5
Vegetable Oil
120
Totals
630 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Finely chop onions and garlic. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onions, and garlic.
Step 3: Add breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices to the meat mixture.
Step 4: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 5: Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Step 6: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Step 7: Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Remove the cooked patties from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Serve the Frikadellen hot with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or salad.
Step 10: Enjoy your homemade Frikadellen!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Frikadellen (Meat Patties):
1. Ground Meat: Substitute with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or a combination of these meats. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
2. Bread or Bread Crumbs: If you don't have bread or bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or panko breadcrumbs. Use an equal quantity to the original recipe.
3. Onion: If you don't have onions, you can substitute with shallots or leeks. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
4. Garlic: If you don't have garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use half the quantity mentioned in the original recipe.
5. Egg: If you don't have eggs, you can use mayonnaise, yogurt, or mashed potatoes as a binder. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
6. Mustard: If you don't have mustard, you can use Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added flavor. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
7. Herbs and Spices: If you don't have specific herbs or spices, you can use dried herbs or spice blends like Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
8. Salt and Pepper: Adjust the quantity of salt and pepper based on your taste preference.
Note: These substitutions may alter the flavor and texture of the final dish slightly, but they should still result in tasty meat patties. Adjustments in cooking time may be required based on the thickness of the patties and the type of meat used.
Pairings
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Creamy coleslaw
- German potato salad
- Sauerkraut
- Braised red cabbage
- Rye bread or pretzel rolls
- Mustard or horseradish sauce
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
- German beer or white wine
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a ring mold to shape the frikadellen into perfectly round patties.
- Top each patty with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
- Serve the frikadellen on a bed of colorful mixed greens for an attractive presentation.
- Drizzle a flavorful sauce, such as a tangy mustard sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce, over the frikadellen.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add finely chopped onions and garlic to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs soaked in milk to create a moist and tender texture.
- Mix in grated cheese, such as Gouda or Emmental, to add a rich and creamy taste.
- Season the meat mixture with herbs and spices like paprika, nutmeg, or marjoram for a more complex flavor profile.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground meat, such as wagyu beef or prime rib, for a more luxurious taste.
- Incorporate finely chopped bacon or pancetta into the meat mixture for added richness.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle paste to the meat mixture to infuse it with a luxurious aroma.
- Serve the frikadellen with a side of sautéed wild mushrooms or caramelized onions for an indulgent twist.
Diet Restrictions
1. Choose leaner meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey instead of fatty cuts to reduce saturated fat content.
2. Increase vegetable content: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added fiber and nutrients.
3. Use whole grain breadcrumbs: Replace regular breadcrumbs with whole grain varieties to boost fiber content and improve overall nutritional value.
4. Substitute eggs: If you have an egg allergy or follow a vegan diet, use alternatives like flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed tofu as a binding agent.
5. Reduce sodium: Cut back on salt by using herbs, spices, or low-sodium alternatives to season the meat patties.
6. Bake or grill instead of frying: Choose healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling to minimize added fats and reduce calorie intake.
7. Offer gluten-free options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
8. Experiment with plant-based alternatives: Consider making vegetarian or vegan frikadellen using plant-based ground meat substitutes like tofu, tempeh, or lentils.
9. Portion control: Keep portion sizes in mind to maintain a balanced diet and control calorie intake.
10. Serve with a side of salad or steamed vegetables: Accompany the meat patties with nutrient-rich sides to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, instead of fatty meats like beef or pork.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and bell peppers to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Replace breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs or rolled oats for added fiber.
- Instead of frying the patties, bake or grill them to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Avoid using excessive amounts of salt and opt for herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
- Consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce cholesterol and fat content.
- Serve the patties with a side of mixed greens or steamed vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-ground meat: Save time by purchasing pre-ground meat instead of grinding it yourself. Look for lean options like ground beef or pork.
2. Opt for bread crumbs: Instead of using fresh bread, use store-bought bread crumbs to save time and reduce waste. They work just as well in binding the meat mixture.
3. Minimize chopping: Use pre-chopped onions or even onion powder to cut down on prep time. This will also save you from shedding tears while chopping onions.
4. Skip soaking bread: Instead of soaking bread in milk or water, use a combination of bread crumbs and milk. This will save time and still provide the necessary moisture to the meat mixture.
5. Shape smaller patties: Make smaller-sized Frikadellen to reduce cooking time. This will also help ensure even cooking throughout.
6. Cook in batches: Prepare a larger batch of Frikadellen and freeze the extras for future use. This will save time on multiple cooking sessions.
7. Use a non-stick pan: Avoid using excessive oil by using a non-stick pan. This will help reduce the amount of oil needed and save on cost.
8. Explore alternative meats: Experiment with more affordable meat options like ground chicken or turkey. They can provide a similar taste while being more budget-friendly.
9. Add flavorful spices: Enhance the taste without adding extra ingredients by using a variety of spices and herbs. This can help compensate for any cost-cutting measures without compromising on flavor.
10. Serve with budget-friendly sides: Accompany your Frikadellen with economical side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. This will help balance the overall cost of the meal.