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Königsberger Klopse - German Meatballs with Lemon-Caper Cream Sauce

Jeremy Nolen
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 oz 225 g ground beef
  • 8 oz 225 g ground veal or pork
  • 1 cup 80 g panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh marjoram
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh curly-leaf parsley
  • Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon
  • 4 anchovy fillets finely minced
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 480 ml chicken stock (low sodium if store-bought)
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp brine-cured capers drained
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh curly-leaf parsley

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs

  • In a small sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent (about 4 minutes). Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and veal. Add the panko breadcrumbs, onion-garlic mixture, marjoram, parsley, lemon zest and juice, anchovies, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a handheld mixer.
  • Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, yielding about 16 pieces. Place them on a sheet pan and set aside.

Cook the Meatballs

  • In a medium Dutch oven, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they develop a golden crust on all sides (about 8 minutes per batch). Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon to drain excess fat.

Make the Lemon-Caper Cream Sauce

  • Drain off the fat from the Dutch oven and return the pot to medium heat. Add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until combined, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and lemon juice, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer and Serve

  • Return the browned meatballs to the Dutch oven, ensuring they are evenly coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Stir in the capers and parsley before transferring the dish to a serving platter. Serve immediately alongside mashed potatoes or spaetzle for an authentic German experience.
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