Norwegian Kjøttkaker (Meat Cakes)

Hearty Norwegian meat patties with distinctive ginger-nutmeg seasoning and firm texture. Medium-sized round patties pan-fried then simmered in rich brown gravy, served with boiled potatoes, peas, and lingonberries for Norway's beloved home-cooked comfort meal.

1hTime
MediumDifficulty
4 pplServings
NorwegianCuisine
Norwegian Kjøttkaker (Meat Cakes)

Ingredients

0 of 17 ingredients checked

Proteins

2
  • 500 g Ground Beef
  • 200 g Ground Pork

Produce

1
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion

Dairy & Eggs

4
  • 150 ml Whole Milk
  • 1 large Egg
  • 50 g Butter
  • 40 g Butter For Gravy

Grains & Starches

2
  • 40 g Potato Starch
  • 40 g All Purpose Flour

Sauces & Oils

4
  • 30 ml Vegetable Oil
  • 600 ml Beef Stock
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Spices & Seasoning

4
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp White Pepper
  • 2 tsp Salt

17 items

Tags

Comfort FoodMeatballsBrown GravyNorwegianBeefMainTraditionalGingerScandinavianPan Fried

Instructions

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0% Complete

Whisk together potato starch and milk in large bowl until completely smooth with no lumps

Add ground beef, ground pork if using, onion, egg, ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt to starch mixture

Mix thoroughly with hands or wooden spoon until well combined and mixture is cohesive but not overworked

Let mixture rest in refrigerator for 10 minutes to hydrate starch and firm up

Shape mixture into round patties about 6-7 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick with slightly domed tops

Heat butter and oil in large deep frying pan over medium-high heat until butter foam subsides

Working in batches, fry kjøttkaker for 3-4 minutes on first side without moving

Flip patties and fry second side for 3-4 minutes until well browned

Transfer partially cooked kjøttkaker to plate and set aside, reserving pan drippings

Add butter for gravy to pan drippings over medium heat and melt, scraping up browned bits

Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to create dark roux

Gradually whisk in beef stock, soy sauce, and worcestershire sauce

Bring gravy to , whisking occasionally, until thickened

Return kjøttkaker to gravy, heat to low, cover, and gently for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking

Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed