Smothered Steak

Traditional Smothered Steak Recipe from England

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Smothered steak is a classic Southern dish that features tender steak smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that will satisfy your taste buds.

History

Smothered steak has its roots in Southern cuisine, where slow-cooking tough cuts of meat in a flavorful gravy was a way to make them tender and delicious. This dish has been a staple in Southern households for generations, with each family putting their own spin on the recipe.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of thick beef round or sirloin steak
0.33 cup of flour
3 tbsp of oil
1 tsp of Tony's seasoning
3 medium onions, sliced
10 oz (283 g) of beef broth
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of minced garlic

How to prepare

Cut the meat into serving-size pieces.
Add Tony's seasoning.
Pound flour into the steak with a meat tenderizer.
In a large skillet, brown the steak in oil and top with onion slices.
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the steak, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer.
Cover and cook slowly for 1 hour (or until tender).
Check the steak while cooking and add a little water if needed.
Serve with potatoes or vegetables.

Variations

Use chicken or pork instead of steak for a different twist on this dish.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the flour into the steak with a meat tenderizer to ensure that the flour sticks to the meat and creates a crispy coating.

- Browning the steak before adding the gravy will add depth of flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to check the steak while it's cooking and add a little water if needed to prevent the gravy from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve smothered steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the steak in the gravy allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the flavors of the gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any thick cut of steak for this recipe, such as ribeye or T-bone steak.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the steak.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the smothered steak on a bed of mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair smothered steak with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of smothered steak contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of smothered steak contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of smothered steak contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of smothered steak contains approximately 35 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Smothered steak is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour) and soy (Tony's seasoning).

Summary

Smothered steak is a protein-rich dish that is relatively high in fats and calories. It is a good source of iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Smothered steak is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. With tender steak smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. I had been invited to a friend's dinner party and she served this delicious dish called Smothered Steak. The aroma that wafted from the kitchen was enough to make my mouth water and my taste buds tingle with anticipation.

As I sat at the table, savoring each bite of the tender steak smothered in a rich, savory gravy, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. I begged my friend for the recipe, but she just smiled and said it was a family secret passed down from generation to generation.

Determined to crack the code, I set out on a mission to learn the art of making Smothered Steak. I began by asking around, talking to friends and family members in the hopes that someone would be willing to share their recipe with me. After many failed attempts, I finally struck gold.

It was my Aunt Margaret who finally revealed the secret to me. She had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a cherished family recipe that had been passed down through the generations.

I watched intently as Aunt Margaret walked me through each step, from marinating the steak to creating the perfect gravy. She emphasized the importance of patience and attention to detail, explaining that the flavors needed time to meld together to create the perfect harmony.

I took copious notes, documenting every ingredient and every instruction with precision. I practiced making Smothered Steak over and over again, making adjustments and tweaks until I felt confident that I had mastered the art.

Finally, the day came when I felt ready to serve my own version of Smothered Steak to my family. As they gathered around the table, their eyes lit up with excitement as the aroma of the dish filled the room. I held my breath as they took their first bites, waiting for their verdict.

To my delight, they raved about how delicious it was, praising the tenderness of the steak and the richness of the gravy. They declared it a success, and I couldn't have been happier.

From that day on, Smothered Steak became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, delighting in the smiles and satisfied bellies of my loved ones.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remained the same, a tribute to the generations of women who had come before me and passed down their culinary wisdom.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about the journey I took to learn how to make Smothered Steak, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and love that has been shared with me. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of tradition and family ties.

And so, I will continue to cook and share this dish with those I hold dear, passing on the legacy of Smothered Steak to future generations in the hopes that they too will find joy and fulfillment in the art of cooking.