Why You’ll Love this Authentic German Currywurst
This authentic German Currywurst recipe brings a taste of Berlin’s famous street food right to your kitchen.
I’m obsessed with how the curry-spiced tomato sauce transforms simple knockwurst into something extraordinary. The combination of savory sausage, tangy sauce, and that distinctive curry flavor creates magic on your plate.
What’s not to love? It’s quick to prepare, uses ingredients you can easily find, and pairs perfectly with crispy fries for dipping.
Trust me, the moment you smell that curry-tomato sauce simmering, you’ll understand why millions of Germans can’t get enough of this beloved street food classic.
What Ingredients are in Authentic German Currywurst?
To make authentic German Currywurst at home, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create that distinctive curry-spiced tomato sauce that Germans adore.
The beauty of this street food classic lies in its simplicity—it’s all about transforming ordinary sausage into something special with a flavorful sauce that has just the right balance of tanginess and warm spices.
- 5 knockwurst sausages
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
While the ingredients list is pretty straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you can’t find knockwurst, bratwurst or even frankfurters will work in a pinch.
The curry powder is really the star here—don’t skimp on quality, as it provides that authentic flavor that makes currywurst so distinctive.
Some German recipes might call for ketchup instead of tomato sauce, which gives a sweeter result, so feel free to substitute part of the tomato sauce with ketchup if you prefer a sweeter curry sauce.
And remember, you can always adjust the curry powder to your taste preferences—some like it mild, others prefer more kick!
How to Make this Authentic German Currywurst
Making authentic German currywurst is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
While that’s warming up, slice your 5 knockwurst sausages into rounds about half an inch thick—thick enough to get a good bite but thin enough to cook through quickly. Add these meaty rounds to your pan and brown them, making sure to stir often so they develop that beautiful caramelization without burning. This browning step is essential, folks—it’s where so much flavor develops.
Once your sausage pieces have browned nicely, it’s time to create that signature curry sauce. Pour in 2 cans (8 ounces each) of tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the sausages.
Now for the magic: add 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix everything well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point? Pure German street food heaven.
After that initial simmer, give your sauce a taste and adjust the curry powder if needed—some like it milder, others prefer it with more punch. Then lower the heat again and let everything simmer for another 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
When serving, don’t forget the traditional accompaniment of french fries on the side. Ladle the currywurst and plenty of that delicious sauce onto plates, making sure there’s enough sauce for dipping those fries.
For an authentic finishing touch, sprinkle a bit more curry powder on top as a garnish. Grab a fork (or eat with your hands like they often do at German street stalls), and enjoy this iconic German street food classic right in your own home.
Authentic German Currywurst Substitutions and Variations
Several authentic variations of German currywurst exist across different regions, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability.
I often use bratwurst when knockwurst isn’t in my fridge, and it works beautifully. For a spicier kick, double the curry powder or add a dash of cayenne.
Vegetarians in my family love this with plant-based sausages.
Can’t find tomato sauce? Crushed tomatoes with a spoonful of tomato paste creates that perfect consistency.
Some Berlin vendors add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar—a little tang that transforms the dish completely.
What to Serve with Authentic German Currywurst
While serving authentic German currywurst as a standalone dish certainly works, I’ve found that the right sides elevate this street food classic to something truly spectacular.
The traditional pairing is crispy french fries—perfect for soaking up that curry-spiced tomato sauce. I like to add a small side of tangy coleslaw for contrast, balancing the rich, savory flavors with something fresh.
Crusty bread rolls (brötchen) make another excellent accompaniment, ideal for sauce-mopping duties.
And if you’re feeling extra German, why not serve with a cold pilsner? The beer’s bitterness cuts through the fatty sausage in the most delightful way.
Final Thoughts
After exploring all these delicious pairings, I can’t help but reflect on why currywurst has captivated so many hearts—including mine!
This humble street food, with its perfect balance of savory sausage and curry-spiced tomato sauce, represents German cuisine at its most accessible.
I love how something so simple can bring such joy to everyday meals. The recipe might seem straightforward, but that’s its beauty—authentic flavors without fuss.
Whether you’re recreating memories from travels abroad or discovering currywurst for the first time, remember that food is about connection.
German Currywurst Recipe With Crispy Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced knockwurst to the pan and brown them, stirring frequently to ensure even caramelization.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the sausages.
- Add curry powder, paprika, sugar, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust curry powder if desired, then lower heat and simmer for another 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with crispy french fries on the side, sprinkle additional curry powder on top as garnish.
