German Hamburgers Recipe: Traditional, Juicy, and Packed With Flavor (SEO Article)

German hamburgers, often known as Frikadellen, are a classic comfort food cherished across Germany. These flavorful pan-fried patties are richer than American-style burgers and seasoned with herbs, onions, mustard, and soaked bread for a tender, juicy texture. Whether served with potatoes, on a bun, or alongside mustard and pickles, German hamburgers offer a satisfying, homemade taste that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

This SEO-optimized recipe article will guide you through ingredients, steps, tips, variations, serving suggestions, storage instructions, and a full Recipe Schema (JSON-LD).

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What Are German Hamburgers (Frikadellen)?

German Hamburgers—called Frikadellen, Buletten, or Fleischpflanzerl depending on the region—are seasoned meat patties made from ground beef (sometimes mixed with pork), fresh onion, soaked bread, mustard, parsley, egg, and spices. Unlike the American burger, Frikadellen are:

• Pan-fried instead of grilled

• Oval or flat-round in shape

• Heavily seasoned for a savory, aromatic flavor

• Served without a bun or with simple sides

Their tender texture and bold flavor make them a favorite across Germany and beyond.

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Ingredients for German Hamburgers

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 1 slice white bread or ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk (to soak bread)

• 1 tbsp German mustard (or Dijon)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)

For Frying

• 2–3 tbsp oil (vegetable or sunflower)

• 1 tbsp butter (optional for richer browning)

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How to Make Traditional German Hamburgers (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Bread Mixture

Soak the slice of bread in milk for 2–3 minutes until soft. Squeeze out extra milk and crumble it.
(This keeps the Frikadellen moist and tender.)

2. Mix the Meat

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

• Onion

• Egg

• Softened bread

• Mustard

• Parsley

• Seasonings

Mix gently using your hands—do not overwork the meat or it may become tough.

3. Shape the Patties

Form 6–8 oval or round patties, slightly flattened in the center.
German Frikadellen are typically thicker than American patties but not as wide.

4. Heat the Pan

Add oil (and butter if using) to a skillet over medium heat.
Butter helps create a beautiful golden crust.

5. Pan-Fry

Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown and cooked through.
Avoid high heat—slow frying keeps them juicy.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the patties rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat.

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Tips for Perfect Frikadellen

• Use a beef–pork blend for the most authentic flavor and tenderness.

• Finely chop the onion so the patties hold together.

• Do not skip soaking the bread—it’s key to German texture.

• Pan-fry slowly for flavor and moisture.

• Flatten slightly in the center to avoid doming while cooking.

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Variations

1. Bavarian Fleischpflanzerl

Add a pinch of caraway and marjoram for classic Bavarian aroma.

2. Northern German Style

Include a spoonful of apple grated finely into the mix for subtle sweetness.

3. Spicy Frikadellen

Add red pepper flakes or German chili mustard.

4. Pork-Only or Turkey Version

Swap beef for ground pork or turkey for a lighter dish.

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Serving Suggestions

German Hamburgers pair well with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Potato salad (German-style)

• Sauerkraut

• Steamed vegetables

• Dark rye bread

• Mustard and pickles

• Classic German gravy

They also make excellent lunchbox meals, picnic food, or weekend family dinners.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

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Optional Table: Quick Overview

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