Though most people associate Salisbury Steak with the 1950s and TV dinners, it actually has a longer history. It was named after Dr. James H. Salisbury, a 19th-century physician who believed ground beef was a health food and could treat many ailments. He suggested that his patients eat beef three times each day, hence the birth of the Salisbury Steak.
In the modern era, Salisbury Steak has become a staple of comfort food. Although the basic recipe has remained mostly unchanged, many cooks add their own twists to make it even more delicious.
The Secret to Juicy Steak
The secret to a juicy Salisbury Steak lies in the ingredients you mix into the ground beef. Things like bread crumbs soaked in milk, onions, and seasonings not only add flavor but also keep the steak tender and juicy. Remember, the bread crumb and milk mixture, also known as a panade, is crucial to prevent the steak from becoming tough.
You also want to avoid over-mixing the meat, as this can lead to a dense and tough steak. Instead, try to combine the ingredients lightly but thoroughly. This will result in a Salisbury Steak that’s juicy and full of flavor.
Creating a Rich Gravy
What truly completes the Salisbury Steak is the rich, flavorful gravy. The base of this gravy is made from the drippings left in the skillet after browning the steaks. These drippings are packed with flavor and make the gravy incredibly tasty.
Adding in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a few seasonings, then simmering until thickened, results in a gravy that is the perfect accompaniment to your steak. The final step is pouring this gravy over the cooked Salisbury Steaks, making them even more savory and delightful.
Ingredients and Preparation
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the patties from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir until the gravy thickens.
- Return the patties to the skillet and coat with the gravy. Cook for a few more minutes until the patties are cooked through.
Cook and Prep Times and Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 20g