Bitterballen (Dutch meatballs)
Authentic Dutch Bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) — a delicious beef dish with 12 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.
15
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
500
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 100 g Butter
- 150 g Flour
- 700 ml Beef Stock
- 30 g Onion
- 1 tbs Parsley
- 400 g Beef
- Pinch Salt
- Pinch Pepper
- Pinch Nutmeg
- 50 g Flour
- 2 Beaten Eggs
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
Instructions
4 steps · ~28 minutes total
Step 1
Melt the butter in a skillet or pan. When melted, add the flour little by little and stir into a thick paste. Slowly stir in the stock, making sure the roux absorbs the liquid. Simmer for a couple of minutes on a low heat while you stir in the onion, parsley and the shredded meat. The mixture should thicken and turn into a heavy, thick sauce.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 2
Pour the mixture into a shallow container, cover and refrigerate for several hours, or until the sauce has solidified.
3 minutesStep 3
Take a heaping tablespoon of the cold, thick sauce and quickly roll it into a small ball. Roll lightly through the flour, then the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure that the egg covers the whole surface of the bitterbal. When done, refrigerate the snacks while the oil in your fryer heats up to 190C (375F). Fry four bitterballen at a time, until golden.
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 4
Serve on a plate with a nice grainy or spicy mustard.
2 minutesWarm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your swedish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) is a beloved dish from Swedish cuisine, originating in Sweden. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Swedish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, Bitterballen are made with beef, often using a mix of beef stew meat and beef broth for rich flavor.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
