This recipe for Danish Frikadellers comes directly from the kitchen of one of my husband’s Danish friends. In English, the term translates directly to “meatballs.” These charming meatballs are surprisingly packed with robust flavors regardless of few ingredients needed to prepare them. When I first read the recipe, I questioned the use of only ground pork. Comparatively, many meatball recipes contain either all beef or a blend of beef and pork. I was told that if it’s not 100% ground pork, it’s not a true Danish Frikadeller.
They have become a family favorite here in our home. In essence, frikadellers are a pleasant reminder of our wonderful time spent in Odense, Denmark, where we first savored their exquisite taste. Each bite transports us back to the picturesque streets and the vibrant culture of that beautiful country.
Frikadellers are a beloved national dish of Denmark. They are enjoyed in various forms for lunch or dinner. A popular lunch option is the smørrebrød. These delicious open-faced sandwiches are a slice of ryebread, meat or fish, vegetables topped with flavorful condiments. For dinner, frikadellers are often accompanied by an array of sides such as creamy potatoes, sweet beets, or tender cabbage.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Frikadellers are simple to prepare and take only 30 minutes of active prep and cook time. Most important, allowing the meat to rest in the refrigerator for one hour after mixing allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to be easier to roll into beautiful meatballs. This recipe yields 12 frikadellers, but it can easily be doubled or tripled if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In addition, prepared frikadellers can also be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 5 months. It’s worth the time and effort to make extra. That way you have an amazing dinner ready for busier nights that you can just pull out of the freezer and warm up.
These Frikadellers offer a taste of Danish tradition. After trying a taste of Denmark, see some of our other favorite meatball recipes!
Danish Frikadellers
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground pork
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion, minced
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Egg
- 3 tbsp Water
- 3 tbsp Flour
- 1 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the butter.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Season the pan with 1 tbsp of butter.
- Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, add the meatballs to the skillet.
- Cook on all sides until the outside is brown and crisp and the inside is fully cooked.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
