Frequently Asked Questions
What is Express Gourmet Steak Sauerbraten?
It is a quick, German-inspired dish featuring tender London broil beef in a savory sauce made from gingersnap cookies and red wine vinegar, served over egg noodles.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of London broil beef, trimmed of fat.
How is the steak cooked in this express version?
The steak is seasoned and broiled on high for about 6 minutes per side, which reduces cooking time and fat compared to frying.
What ingredients are used to make the Sauerbraten sauce?
The sauce is made using low sodium beef broth, red wine vinegar, crushed gingersnap cookies, and sautéed onions seasoned with ground allspice.
Why are gingersnap cookies included in the recipe?
Gingersnap cookies provide the traditional sweet and spicy flavor profile of Sauerbraten and act as a thickening agent for the sauce.
What type of vinegar should I use for the sauce?
You should use 3 1/2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to provide the necessary acidity for the sauce.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 8-10 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What side dish is suggested to accompany the steak?
One pound of egg noodles is suggested to soak up the delicious Sauerbraten sauce.
How do I prevent the egg noodles from sticking together?
After draining the cooked noodles, toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep them from sticking.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should cook for about 6 minutes until it thickens slightly after adding the broth, vinegar, and cookies.
What is the cook time for the egg noodles?
The egg noodles typically take 5-8 minutes to cook until they are al dente.
How should the London broil be sliced?
The steak should be sliced thinly into pieces approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest after broiling?
Yes, you should cover the steak with foil and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
What spice is used to flavor the onions?
One teaspoon of ground allspice is used to season the onions while they sauté.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 2 for the onions and 1 for the noodles.
Can I adjust the steak's doneness?
Yes, while 6 minutes per side is suggested for medium-rare, you can adjust the broiling time if you prefer the meat more well-done.
Is this recipe considered a leaner meal?
Yes, because the steak is broiled rather than pan-fried, it reduces excess fat without sacrificing flavor.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients including beef, noodles, cookies, and various aromatics.
What is the flavor profile of the Express Gourmet Steak Sauerbraten?
The dish features a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor with aromatic hints of allspice and ginger.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed as an 'express' meal that provides gourmet flavors in a shorter timeframe.
How much beef broth is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of low sodium beef broth.
How do I prepare the gingersnap cookies?
You should use 1/2 cup of crushed gingersnap cookies to incorporate them into the sauce.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is heating olive oil in a large skillet and sautéing the sliced onion with ground allspice.
Should the water for the noodles be salted?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the egg noodles.
How do I serve the final dish?
Plate the egg noodles, top them with the sliced steak, and then add generous ladles of the sauerbraten sauce.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is slightly thickened due to the reduction process and the addition of crushed gingersnap cookies.
Can I use regular beef broth instead of low sodium?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the additional salt added to the sauce to avoid it becoming too salty.
Is the steak seasoned before cooking?
Yes, the trimmed London broil should be seasoned with salt and pepper before being placed on the broiler pan.
What culture inspired this dish?
The recipe is inspired by traditional German cuisine.
Can the onion be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can thinly slice the onion ahead of time to speed up the cooking process even further.