basic swiss steak recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic swiss steak recipe

I’ve been making this basic Swiss steak recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. I love how easy it is to prepare and how quickly it cooks, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The dish originated in the Swiss Alps, where it was known as “Zungensteak,” which translates to “tongue steak.” The name refers to the way the steak is sliced into thin strips, similar to the way a tongue is sliced when served as an appetizer.

Despite its origins in Switzerland, this recipe has become a staple in many American households, particularly in the Midwest where I grew up. My family and I enjoy this dish because of its rich flavor and tender texture.

The key to making a great Swiss steak is to cook it just right – not too long or too short – so that the meat stays juicy and flavorful. To achieve this, you’ll want to use a meat mallet to pound the steak thinly before cooking it.

This helps the meat cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough or dry.

Basic Swiss Steak

4.6 from 866 votes

A classic comfort food dish featuring tender beef cooked in a rich gravy. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Steak

1 1/2 lbs beef round steak
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Gravy

1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the beef round steak on a cutting board.
2Using a meat mallet, pound the steak until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
3This will help to tenderize the meat.
4Season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper.
5Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
7Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
8In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
10Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
11Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
12Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
13Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
14Stir to combine.
15Return the steak to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top.
16Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the steak is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
17Remove the steak from the skillet and slice it against the grain.
18Serve the steak with the gravy spooned over the top.
19Enjoy with mashed potatoes or noodles.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Meat mallet
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a quicker version, you can use a tenderizer tool to pound the steak. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the skillet to cook with the steak for a complete meal.

This basic Swiss steak recipe is a staple in our household because of its ease of preparation and quick cooking time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion because it’s so versatile – try serving it with different vegetables or sides to change up the meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat them easily when you’re ready. This makes it ideal for meal prep or when you need a quick dinner option.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Swiss Steak

Q: What type of steak should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of steak you like, but I recommend using a top round or sirloin steak for its tenderness and flavor.

Q: How do I make sure my Swiss steak stays juicy?

A: To keep your Swiss steak juicy, make sure to pound it thinly before cooking it, and don’t overcook it – cook it just until it’s done.

Q: Can I serve this dish with any type of vegetables?

A: Yes, you can serve your Swiss steak with any type of vegetable you like – try serving it with sautéed spinach, green beans, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians because it contains beef.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the ingredients and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

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