Best 7 Alton Browns Sauerbraten Recipes

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Sauerbraten, a classic German dish that captivates taste buds with its rich, tangy, and aromatic profile. This culinary masterpiece is a labor of love, requiring marination, slow-cooking, and a symphony of spices and herbs. Discover the secret to creating an authentic Sauerbraten with our two featured recipes: the traditional Alton Brown Sauerbraten and the simplified version for a modern twist. Both recipes guide you through the process of preparing the beef, creating the flavorful marinade, and achieving the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Prepare to tantalize your senses with this exceptional dish, perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekend meal.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

ALTON BROWN'S SAUERBRATEN



Alton Brown's Sauerbraten image

I found this on the Food network website, and I served this Saturday night and got a resounding "Wow!" The meat was so tender that it fell apart when I tried to transport it from the pot to the serving platter. Both gravy and the sauerbraten got applause. We served it with mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and Sister Schubert rolls. Yum!

Provided by gigglesmurf

Categories     Roast Beef

Time P3DT4h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus an additional
1 teaspoon kosher salt, for seasoning meat
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
6 whole cloves
12 juniper berries
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 (3 1/2-4 lb) bottom round steaks
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
18 dark old-fashioned gingersnaps, crushed (about 5 ounces)
1/2 cup seedless raisin (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over high heat combine the water, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, onion, carrot, salt, pepper, bay leaves, cloves, juniper, and mustard seeds.
  • Cover and bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Pat the bottom round dry and rub with vegetable oil and salt on all sides.
  • Heat a large saute pan over high heat; add the meat and brown on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • When the marinade has cooled to a point where you can stick your finger in it and not be burned, place the meat in a non-reactive vessel and pour over the marinade.
  • Place into the refrigerator for 3-5 days. (If the meat is not completely submerged in the liquid, turn it over once a day.). I marinated mine for 5 days.
  • After 3-5 days of marinating, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Add the sugar to the meat and marinade, cover and place on the middle rack of the oven and cook until tender, approximately 4 hours.
  • Remove the meat from the vessel and keep warm.
  • Strain the liquid to remove the solids.
  • Return the liquid to the pan and place over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk in the gingersnaps and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. (The gravy won't thicken until you remove it from the heat.).
  • Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
  • Add the raisins if desired.
  • Slice the meat and serve with the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1033.2, Fat 52.5, SaturatedFat 19.3, Cholesterol 289.7, Sodium 2603.3, Carbohydrate 46.2, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 25.2, Protein 84.6

SAUERBRATEN



Sauerbraten image

Provided by Level Agency

Categories     Mains

Time P3DT5h

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning meat
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
6 whole cloves
12 whole juniper berries
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) bottom round
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
18 dark old-fashioned gingersnaps, crushed
1/2 cup seedless raisins, optional

Steps:

  • Combine the water, vinegars, onion, carrot, salt, pepper, bay leaves, cloves, juniper berries, and mustard seeds in a large saucepan set over high heat. Cover and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Pat the bottom round dry, then rub with vegetable oil and salt on all sides. Heat a large saute pan over high heat, add the meat and brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • When the marinade is cool to the touch, place the meat in a non-reactive vessel (like a 4-quart stainless-steel pan with a lid) and pour the marinade over it. Place in the refrigerator for 3 days. If the meat is not completely submerged in the liquid, turn it over once per day.
  • After 3 days of marinating, heat the oven to 325ºF. Add the sugar to the meat and marinade, cover, and cook on the middle rack of the oven until tender, approximately 4 hours.
  • Remove the meat from the vessel and keep warm. Strain the liquid to remove the solids. Return the liquid to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk in the gingersnaps and cook until the suace has thickened, stirring occasionally. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Add the raisins, if desired. Slice the meat and serve with the sauce.

SAUERBRATEN



Sauerbraten image

"THE WHOLE FAMILY helped prepared this sauerbraten. We children had fun mixing the spices and pounding them on the hearth, then Dad mixed them with salt and rubbed them into the meat. The tantalizing aromas escalated as the sauerbraten cooked.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h25m

Yield 12-14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1 tablespoon salt
1 beef rump roast or bottom round roast (4 to 5 pounds)
4 bacon strips, diced
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
12 whole peppercorns
12 whole allspice
1 large onion, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 jar (12 to 13 ounces) plum preserves or preserves of your choice
2 gingersnaps, crushed
1 cup beef broth or port wine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Place tablespoons of peppercorns and allspice in a cloth bag; crush. Mix in salt; rub over roast. Set aside. In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon., In the same pan, brown roast in drippings, over medium heat, on all sides. Add the vinegar, water, whole peppercorns, whole allspice, onion, bay leaves and reserved bacon; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours. Stir in preserves and gingersnaps; cook 1 hour longer or until meat is tender. , Chill roast overnight in cooking liquid. Skim off fat. Heat roast slowly in cooking liquid until heated through, about 1 hour., Remove roast and keep warm. Strain cooking liquid; return 3-1/2 cups to pan. Combine broth and flour; stir into cooking liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Slice roast; serve with gravy.

Nutrition Facts :

CLASSIC SAUERBRATEN



Classic Sauerbraten image

A quick and easy Sauerbraten recipe. This entrée is served with spaetzle at the Ox Yoke Inn, in Amana, Iowa. You will need to begin marinating the beef two days ahead.

Categories     Beef     Marinate     Roast     Oktoberfest     Chill     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/4 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 4 1/2-pound top round roast
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup canned beef broth
1/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/3 cup gingersnap cookie crumbs

Steps:

  • Combine first 8 ingredients in large saucepan and bring to boil. Cool.
  • Place beef in bowl slightly larger that beef. Pour marinade over. Cover and chill 2 days, turning beef twice daily.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove beef from marinade and place in roasting pan; reserve marinade. Roast beef until tender, about 2 hours. Transfer beef to carving board; cool. Pour any accumulated juices from roasting pan into marinade. Strain marinade (do not clean roasting pan).
  • Mix 1/4 cup oil and flour in heavy large skillet. Stir over medium heat until dark brown, about 10 minutes. Gradually mix in 2 cups marinade (discard any remaining marinade) and broth. Boil until thick, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Mix in sugar and cookie crumbs. Pour into roasting pan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Slice beef and arrange in large baking dish. Pour sauce over meat. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill).
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake beef until heated through, about 15 minutes.

ALTON'S SAUERBRATEN RECIPE



Alton's Sauerbraten Recipe image

Provided by á-2510

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, additional for seasoning meat
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
6 whole cloves
12 juniper berries
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 (3 1/2 to 4-pound) bottom round
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
18 dark old-fashioned gingersnaps (about 5 ounces), crushed
1/2 cup seedless raisins, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over high heat combine the water, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, onion, carrot, salt, pepper, bay leaves, cloves, juniper, and mustard seeds. Cover and bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Pat the bottom round dry and rub with vegetable oil and salt on all sides. Heat a large saute pan over high heat; add the meat and brown on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. When the marinade has cooled to a point where you can stick your finger in it and not be burned, place the meat in a non-reactive vessel and pour over the marinade. Place into the refrigerator for 3 days. If the meat is not completely submerged in the liquid, turn it over once a day. After 3 days of marinating, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Add the sugar to the meat and marinade, cover and place on the middle rack of the oven and cook until tender, approximately 4 hours. Remove the meat from the vessel and keep warm. Strain the liquid to remove the solids. Return the liquid to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk in the gingersnaps and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Add the raisins if desired. Slice the meat and serve with the sauce.

TRADITIONAL SAUERBRATEN



Traditional Sauerbraten image

I found two slightly different hand written versions of this, my Grandmother's recipe. Born in Nekkar am Rhein in the 1904, she naturally learned to cook traditional German meals as a young woman and didn't rely on a cookbook. I try to capture the nuance in this. Serve with potato dumplings.

Provided by Chris Simpler

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time P2DT4h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 pounds beef rump roast
2 large onions, chopped
1 cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
1 cup water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar
10 whole cloves, or more to taste
2 bay leaves, or more to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 gingersnap cookies, crumbled

Steps:

  • Place beef rump roast, onions, vinegar, water, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, sugar, cloves, and bay leaves in a large pot. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days, turning meat daily. Remove meat from marinade and pat dry with paper towels, reserving marinade.
  • Season flour to taste with salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Sprinkle flour mixture over beef.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat; cook beef until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Pour reserved marinade over beef, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until beef is tender, 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Remove beef to a platter and slice.
  • Strain solids from remaining liquid and continue cooking over medium heat. Add gingersnap cookies and simmer until gravy is thickened about 10 minutes. Serve gravy over sliced beef.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.8 calories, Carbohydrate 20.9 g, Cholesterol 100.3 mg, Fat 22.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 40.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 1682.5 mg, Sugar 8 g

EASY SAUERBRATEN



Easy Sauerbraten image

This easy sauerbraten recipe is a tasty example of traditional German fare. Its definitive pickled tang is pleasing and sure to delight German food lovers. -Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h25m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups water
2 cups red wine vinegar
12 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 boneless beef chuck roast or rump roast (4 pounds)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, cut into wedges
5 medium carrots, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 celery ribs, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the water, vinegar, cloves, bay leaves, salt and brown sugar. Remove 2 cups to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Pour remaining marinade into a 2-gal. resealable plastic bag. Add roast; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1-2 days, turning twice each day., Discard marinade and spices. Pat roast dry; dredge in flour. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown roast in oil on all sides. Transfer to a small roasting pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery and reserved marinade. , Cover and bake at 325° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until meat is tender. With a slotted spoon, remove meat and vegetables to a serving platter. Strain cooking juices; thicken if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365 calories, Fat 20g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 368mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

Tips and Conclusion

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of meat: Beef chuck roast is the traditional cut of meat for sauerbraten, but you can also use beef round or bottom round roast. Make sure the meat is at least 3 pounds so that it can hold up to the long cooking time.
  • Use a good quality red wine: The red wine you use in the marinade and braising liquid is important, so choose one that you enjoy drinking. A fruity red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs well with the beef.
  • Don't skip the ginger snaps: The ginger snaps add a unique flavor and texture to the sauerbraten. If you don't have any ginger snaps on hand, you can substitute graham crackers or zwieback.
  • Be patient: Sauerbraten takes time to make, but it's worth the wait. The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it will be. And the longer you braise it, the more tender it will become.
  • Serve sauerbraten with traditional German sides: Sauerbraten is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, red cabbage, and spätzle. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Sauerbraten is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It's a bit time-consuming to make, but it's definitely worth the effort. The combination of the tender beef, the flavorful sauce, and the traditional German sides is sure to please everyone at your table.

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