Roast beef, a culinary cornerstone of festive gatherings and Sunday dinners alike, achieves unparalleled perfection when paired with a rich and flavorful onion sauce. This classic combination offers a symphony of textures and tastes – the tender, juicy beef melting in your mouth, complemented by the sweet and savory depth of the onion gravy. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a warm, comforting kitchen, filled with the promise of a delicious meal. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of flavour and texture, resulting in a roast beef experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.
From selecting the ideal cut to mastering the art of creating a flawlessly smooth onion sauce, this guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to crafting a truly unforgettable roast beef dinner. Ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your family and friends? Let's dive into the recipe and begin creating this timeless masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Pot
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic bag or zip bag (heat-resistant)
- Heat-resistant plate
Ingredients
- Beef peach block: 300-350g
- Salt: 3g (1% of meat weight)
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Soy sauce
- Sake
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef
- ~1 hour; Summer: ~30 minutes)
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
- Season the meat generously with salt and black pepper, rubbing it all over.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sear the beef for 1-1.5 minutes per side, until nicely browned. (Be careful of oil splatters!)
Step 2. Sous Vide the Beef
- Wrap the seared beef tightly in two layers of aluminum foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped beef in a heat-resistant plastic bag or ziplock bag. Remove all air and seal tightly.
- Submerge the sealed bag in a pot of hot water (heated to 70-80°C, just before boiling). Place a heat-resistant plate between the bag and the bottom of the pot to prevent melting. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it rest for another 15 minutes using residual heat.
Step 3. Cool and Slice the Beef
- Remove the beef from the bag, let it cool slightly, and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Once the beef is cool, thinly slice it against the grain.
Step 4. Prepare the Onion Sauce
- While the beef rests, prepare the onion sauce. Grate the onions.
- In the same frying pan used to sear the beef, combine grated onions, soy sauce, sake, sugar, vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Cook the onion sauce over medium heat, bringing to a boil, then reducing for about 2 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low-medium and adjust as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. Refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Serve the roast beef with the onion sauce.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Using a thicker cut of beef will help prevent overcooking the inside.
- For added flavor, consider adding garlic or rosemary when searing the beef.
- Always ensure your plastic bag is heat-resistant before using it for the hot water bath.
- Avoid letting the water boil during the hot water bath to prevent the meat from drying out.
- Refrigerating the cooked beef for an hour before slicing will make it easier to cut and maintain its moisture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-550
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 45-55g
FAQs
1. What's the secret to a moist and tender roast beef?
The key is low and slow roasting! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right internal temperature, and let it rest after cooking to retain juices.
2. How do I prevent my roast beef from being dry?
Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and allow for resting time to redistribute the juices. Consider adding a little fat to the pan, or basting during cooking.
This Christmas classic roast beef recipe, with its perfectly balanced flavours and tender texture, is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. From the glistening roast to the rich aroma filling your kitchen, the experience is as rewarding as the delicious meal itself. Enjoy the compliments and savor every succulent bite of this unforgettable feast!