Frikadellen or Buletten are thick pan-fried hamburger patties that are popular throughout Germany and Denmark. These German hamburgers are tender, juicy, and flavorful. They are beloved by many, and often served simply with mustard for a sharp kick.
2ounces(55 grams) white sliced bread or rollsslightly stale
½cupwater
3tablespoonsvegetable oil or other neutral-flavored oilor as needed
1medium onionfinely chopped
8ounces(225 grams) ground beef
8ounces(225 grams) ground pork
1large egg
3clovesgarlicminced or crushed
2tablespoonsfinely chopped parsley
1 ½teaspoonskosher salt
1teaspoondried marjoram
1teaspoonmustardpreferably German (plus more for serving)
1teaspoonsweet paprika
½teaspoonground black pepper
Instructions
Break up the bread or rolls into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour water over the top and let it soak for 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. After soaking, squeeze out all the excess water and return to the mixing bowl.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat and saute the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer sauteed onions to the mixing bowl with the bread. Let it cool at room temperature for a few minutes before continuing.
To the mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, egg, garlic, parsley, and seasonings (everything but the remaining oil). Use your hands to combine and knead until the mixture is smooth.
Divide the mixture into 8 balls (about 88 grams each) and then slightly flatten each into a thick disc (wetting your hands can help with this process). These should not be as thin as American-style hamburger patties and should be quite thick in comparison.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet (I prefer using a non-stick one) over medium to medium-high heat. Arrange the patties in the pan and fry on the first side about 4 to 5 minutes, or until nicely browned.
Flip all the patties over, reduce the heat to medium-low to low, cover the pan, and cook another 7 to 8 minutes until browned on the bottom and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 160°F with an instant read thermometer.
Transfer patties to a plate lined with paper towels for a couple minutes to drain off any extra oil and then serve. Frikadellen are normally served “naked” with mustard and potato salad, mashed potatoes, or french fries on the side or in a Brötchen or split hard roll with mustard.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can combine the meat mixture a day in advance, which will actually allow the flavors to develop even more. Cover and refrigerate and then assemble and fry the patties when you're ready. Alternatively, you may assemble the patties in advance and cover and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
Freezing: Frikadellen freeze beautifully! Store them in freezer-safe zip top bags or freezer-safe airtight containers for up to 3 months. Then thaw and reheat in a microwave, pan or oven.
Leftovers: Buletten are great as leftovers! You can either reheat them in a microwave, pan, or oven, or even eat them cold if you prefer.