Classic Danish Pork Meatballs (Printer View)

Golden pork meatballs fried to juicy perfection with a side of tangy Danish pickles.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 1.1 lb ground pork (or a blend of pork and veal)
02 - 1 small onion, finely grated
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 3.4 fl oz whole milk
05 - 0.42 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1 tsp salt
07 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
08 - ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)

→ For Frying

09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower oil

→ To Serve

11 - Danish pickles including pickled cucumber or beetroot
12 - Rye bread or boiled potatoes (optional)

# Method Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix ground pork, grated onion, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and allspice if using, until the mixture is cohesive and slightly sticky.
02 - Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
03 - With wet hands, shape the mixture into 12 to 14 oval or round meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
04 - Warm butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
05 - Fry the meatballs in batches, flattening slightly with a spatula, for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
06 - Transfer cooked frikadeller to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess fat.
07 - Serve hot accompanied by Danish pickles and optionally rye bread or boiled potatoes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These meatballs stay juicy inside with a crisp golden crust that holds up beautifully in the pan.
  • The grated onion and milk keep the texture light and tender, never dense or dry.
  • They taste even better the next day, cold from the fridge with mustard and bread.
02 -
  • Do not skip the resting time, the breadcrumbs need those 10 minutes to absorb the milk or the mixture will be too loose to shape.
  • Wet your hands before shaping each meatball or the sticky mixture will cling to your fingers and make a mess.
  • Flatten the meatballs slightly in the pan so they cook evenly and develop a better crust on both sides.
03 -
  • Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the mixture evenly so all the meatballs cook at the same rate.
  • Add a tablespoon of sparkling water to the mixture for an even lighter, airier texture inside.
  • Serve them with a dollop of remoulade or grainy mustard for an extra layer of flavor that feels authentically Danish.
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