Grandmas Best Beef Rouladen a German Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a hug in food form? This rouladen recipe is exactly that. It's beef rouladen , stuffed with savory goodness and braised to fall apart tenderness. Honestly, is there anything better?

Brief Overview

Authentic German Rouladen is a beloved dish. It's got history in every bite. This traditional German recipe isn't super quick.

But it's worth the effort. It yields four servings. Perfect for a family dinner!

Main Benefits

This German comfort food recipe is packed with protein. This is a fantastic meal for a cold winter evening. The flavors make it super special. It's definitely not your average weeknight dinner.

Ready to jump into this rouladen recipe ? Let's do it! You'll be amazed how easy and rewarding it is to make German beef rouladen at home.

Forget those fancy restaurants. You've got this!

What is Rouladen Anyway?

Rouladen are thin slices of beef. The beef is wrapped around bacon, onion, and pickles. Oh my gosh, the pickles are key! Then they're braised in a rich sauce.

Think of it as the ultimate savoury parcel. It's the ultimate braised beef recipe German cuisine has to offer.

Why This Recipe is Special

This isn't just any rouladen recipe . It's Grandma's Best Beef Rouladen : A German Classic. It's been passed down for generations.

The secret? Patience and love. Seriously, though, low and slow cooking is key. Don't rush it!

look into into the Ingredients

Let's get those ingredients prepped. Don't worry, the list might seem long. It is not overwhelming at all. Everything works together beautifully. You know? Like a perfectly orchestrated symphony of flavour.

Variations to make Rouladen Recipe Chicken

Want to mix things up? You can even try a rouladen recipe chicken version. Just swap out the beef for chicken cutlets! Honestly, it's delicious too, even though Authentic German Rouladen Recipe is more classic version.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rouladen!

Ready to dive into this German Rouladen adventure? Awesome! First, let's gather our supplies. Think of it like preparing for a mini expedition.

..a delicious expedition. The right ingredients and tools make all the difference when tackling an authentic German Rouladen recipe .

Main Ingredients: The Rouladen Dream Team

Here's what you'll need to bring our rouladen recipe to life. I've listed both US and metric measurements because, well, options are good. Especially when you're baking!

• Beef Round Steak: 4 slices (about 1/4 inch thick), roughly 4-6 oz (115-170g) each. Quality is key here. Look for well marbled beef that fat equals flavor, trust me.
• Dijon Mustard: 4 tablespoons ( 59 ml ). This stuff adds a zing!
• Thick Cut Bacon: 4 slices (around 4 oz / 115g total). Crispy bacon is a must.
• Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 120g ). Adds sweetness and depth.
• Large Dill Pickles: 2 , quartered lengthwise (about 1 cup / 150g ). Don't skimp on the pickles!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is your friend!
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons ( 25g ). Helps with browning.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). For searing the beef.

And for the braising liquid, we need:

• Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g )
• Carrots: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup / 120g )
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g )
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons )
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml )
• Beef Broth: 4 cups ( 950 ml )
• Dry Red Wine: 1 cup ( 240 ml ) (Optional, but highly recommended!)
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml )
• Dried Marjoram: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml )

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

This ain't just salt and pepper territory, folks. The thyme and marjoram are essential for that authentic German flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth.

And if you want to try a Rouladen Recipe Chicken , you could use poultry seasoning for a milder flavor.

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

You don't need fancy gadgets to make this Easy Rouladen Recipe . Here's what you really need:

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For flattening the beef.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: With a tight fitting lid. Crucial for braising.
• Butcher's Twine or Toothpicks: To hold everything together.

Grandma's Best Beef Rouladen: A German Classic

Beef Rouladen ! Oh my gosh, where do I even begin? It's a German classic that's been in my family for yonks! This dish is a savory symphony of flavors! Thinly sliced beef hugs bacon, onions, pickles, and mustard.

The slow braise makes it melt-in-your mouth tender. It is a true taste of German Comfort Food Recipes !

This recipe is medium difficulty. Don't worry. How to make Rouladen will become second nature. We'll get through this together.

Trust me, even if you think you’re a disaster in the kitchen, you can nail this!

Prep Steps: The Key to Rouladen Success

Essential mise en place ? Basically, get all your ducks in a row first! Thinly slice that onion! Quarter those pickles.

And measure out your spices. It’ll save you a ton of time later! Honestly, the more organised you are, the smoother the process.

Time saving organization tips : Before you even think about cooking, lay out all your ingredients. Chop everything. Measure everything. I find using small bowls helps! It is for keeping everything organized and at your fingertips.

step-by-step: Let's Roll!

1. Pound that beef! Use a meat mallet to get those slices about 1/8 inch thin. This is key for tenderness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mustard Time! Spread 4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard on each beef slice.
3. Load 'em up! Top with 1 slice of bacon, a quarter of the sliced onion, and 2 pickle quarters.
4. Roll it tight! Roll up each slice. Secure with butcher's twine or toothpicks.
5. Sear like a pro! Dredge in 2 tablespoons of flour. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Brown the rouladen on all sides.
6. Braising Base! Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
7. Braise away! Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup red wine (optional). Add bay leaves and herbs. Simmer, covered, for 2-2. 5 hours until tender.
8. Thicken (optional)! Remove rouladen. Thicken the sauce if desired. Serve hot!

Pro Tips: Rouladen Rockstar

Tight rolls are crucial! It keeps everything in place during cooking. Rolling too loosely can cause the filling to spill out. So, roll 'em tight!

Don't skip the searing! It adds a lovely depth of flavor. Plus, it helps to keep the rouladen sealed. Authentic German Rouladen Recipe has always been searing.

make-ahead options ? You can prep the rouladen a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you're ready to sear and braise.

Recipe Notes

Let's talk shop, yeah? You're about to make Grandma's Best Beef Rouladen and that’s awesome. But before you dive in, let's cover a few things.

Honestly, these are the bits I always wish I knew before I started cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Okay, so you've got your beautiful German Rouladen . How do you make them look as good as they taste? I always like to slice them on the bias.

It shows off the filling. You know? Lay them on a bed of spaetzle or next to some creamy mashed potatoes.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurts. And don't forget that glorious braising sauce! Spoon it generously over everything. For drinks, try a crisp German pilsner or a dry Riesling.

Perfection!

Storage Tips: Making the Good Times Last

Right, so maybe you've got leftovers of your authentic German Rouladen Recipe . Lucky you! Let them cool down completely before popping them in an airtight container.

They'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can freeze them too, for up to 2 months. Just make sure they're well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating is easy. Either microwave them, or gently simmer them in a pan with a bit of extra beef broth.

Make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165° F .

Variations: Make it Your Own!

This rouladen recipe is pretty darn flexible. Want a rouladen recipe chicken version? Swap the beef for chicken cutlets! Or, if you're feeling veggie, try using thick slices of eggplant.

For a lower sodium dish, use low-sodium broth. And if you're not a fan of dill pickles? (Who are you? Just kidding!) Try sweet gherkins instead.

Honestly? Don't be afraid to play around and make this traditional German recipes your own.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside and Out

Each serving of this braised beef recipe German style, is roughly 550 calories, with about 45g of protein. It has 35g of fat, and 15g of carbs.

But honestly, it's more about the soul soothing goodness, right? The beef gives you iron and protein. The veggies add some vitamins.

And that feeling of comfort? Priceless.

Now you're armed with all the insider info! Go forth and create some amazing German comfort food recipes . And remember, cooking should be fun.

Don't stress, enjoy the process, and you'll end up with a rouladen recipe that everyone will love! You got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Rouladen? Is it hard to make for a beginner?

Think of Rouladen as the German version of comfort food. It's thinly sliced beef, lovingly wrapped around bacon, onions, pickles, and mustard, then slow braised until melt-in-your mouth tender.

While it takes a little patience more Mary Berry than ready steady-cook the steps are straightforward, so even a novice can create a delicious, impressive meal. The key is pounding the beef thin and braising it low and slow!

Can I prep the rouladen recipe ahead of time? Like, maybe the day before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rouladen, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge overnight. This actually helps the flavours meld together even more, giving you a richer final dish. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before searing them. It helps them cook evenly.

Help! My rouladen are falling apart during cooking. What am I doing wrong?

A common culprit is not rolling them tightly enough or not securing them well enough. Make sure you roll the beef slices as snug as a bug in a rug and use butcher's twine or toothpicks to keep everything in place. Also, searing them properly on all sides before braising helps to seal them.

No one wants a rouladen unraveling like a cheap christmas sweater!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this rouladen recipe, and what about variations?

Traditionally, rouladen goes brilliantly with Spaetzle (German egg noodles), braised red cabbage (Rotkohl), or creamy mashed potatoes all perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.

For variations, you could try using pork or chicken instead of beef, or experiment with different fillings like mushrooms or bell peppers. Also don't be afraid to try it with sweet gherkins instead of dill pickles!

How should I store leftover rouladen, and how long will they last?

Leftover rouladen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to prevent them from drying out.

You can also freeze them for longer storage just make sure they're cooled completely before freezing, and they'll last for up to 2-3 months.

Is this Rouladen recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Rouladen can be a hearty and satisfying meal, providing a good source of protein and iron. However, it's also relatively high in fat and sodium due to the bacon and braising liquid.

To make it healthier, use lean beef, trim excess fat from the bacon, use low-sodium broth, and load up on vegetables in the filling and as side dishes. Remember moderation is key, even with delicious German comfort food!