German Sauerbraten Recipe (2024)

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German Sauerbraten Recipe

March 30, 2020/Food/

German Sauerbraten Recipe

German Sauerbraten Recipe (1)

I have family back in Germany and when we used to visit a long time ago, my great Aunt used to make this recipe on a sunday, I guess it’s there version of a sunday roast. I have only personally made this recipe 3 times in my lifetime.

I make it for our family gatherings we have every 5 years, each time the meal is a huge success. I am happy that my aunt passed down this recipe to us and I can share it to you!

I am sure you are wondering what “Sauerbraten” is. I for the longest time had no idea either. I still can’t tell you so I went to Wikipedia.

HERE IS WHAT WIKIPEDIA SAYS ABOUT SAUERBRATEN:

Sauerbraten(German: “sour roast” fromsauerfor “sour” or “pickled” andBratenfor “roast meat”) is aGermanpot roastthat can be prepared with a variety of meats—most oftenbeef, but also fromvenison,lamb,mutton,pork, and traditionally,horse. Before cooking, the cut of meat ismarinatedfor several days (recipes vary from three to ten days) in a mixture of vinegar or wine, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings. Since usually tougher cuts of meat (like rump roast, or bottom round of beef) are used for Sauerbraten, the longer marinating of the meat acts to tenderize it, resulting in a finished dish that is tender, soft, and juicy. The ingredients of the marinade vary based on regional styles and traditions throughout Germany.

This recipe isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes 3 days to prepare and a good afternoon or morning in the kitchen. BUT the meal is so worth the time and effort to make! If you make this recipe I would love for you to let me know how you think it tasted.

Instagram user txfamilyof7 says it is sweet but fun to make!

TOP QUESTIONS I GET ASKED ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

German Sauerbraten Recipe (2)

WHY DO YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE IF IT TAKES 3 DAYS TO PREPARE?

Great question. I grew up eating this dish. I know how good it is. If you do not have German family you may not have ever tried anything quite like this. It takes 3 days to marinate and ferment. Well worth the wait time.

CAN I USE BROWN GRAVY WITH THE MEAL?

Yes. Use whatever gravy you like best. I would reccomend using the sauce in the recipe though. It is so good!

CAN I USE OTHER MEATS OTHER THAN BEEF?

You sure can. Venison,lamb,mutton,pork, and traditionally,horse. :/ I have never tried horse btw!

Printable Recipe

Print Recipe

German Sauerbraten Recipe

German Sauerbraten Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: German

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot chopped
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 12 juniper berries
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • 3-4 lbs bottom round beef roast
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 18 gingersnap cookies crushed

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan combine water, vinegar, wine, onion, carrot, salt, pepper, bay leaves, cloves, juniper berries and mustard seeds. Boil. Simmer for 10 minutes then cool completely.

  • Place meat in a large zip bag or non reactive bowl (glass or ceramic).

  • Pour the marinade into the bag, remove all of the air, seal it, place it in the fridge and turn twice a day for three days.

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Pour marinade, spices and all, into a Dutch oven. Stir in sugar then add the meat.

  • Cover and cook 4 hours.

  • Remove meat from the dish and place on cutting board to cool.

  • Strain marinade. Discard solids. Return marinade to the pot over medium heat. Stir in ginger snaps. After 3 minutes use an immersion blended to smooth out the sauce. You could use a blender but blending hot liquids can be tricky as they like to bubble up and could burn you.

  • Slice beef into 1/4” slices.

  • Serve with the sauce over potatoes or egg noodles.

Notes

This recipe takes 3 days to prepare!

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German Sauerbraten Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is sauerbraten made of? ›

Sauerbraten is a German roast of marinated meat, traditionally beef. Since it's generally made with tougher cuts (usually the rump roast), the meat is marinated for days at a time. The roast is sliced and served with a gravy. In some recipes, the gravy is made with gingersnaps.

Why is my sauerbraten tough? ›

If it has turned out a little too tough (possibly the temperature was too high or it cooked too long), slice the meat perpendicular to its natural separations. It won't look as pretty on the plate, but will immensely help the tenderness.

What does sauerbraten mean in German? ›

The name "Sauerbraten" is of German origin, and is derived from Sauer meaning "sour" or "pickled" and Braten meaning "roast meat", thus "sour roast".

What wine to serve with sauerbraten? ›

Wine Pairing: With Sauerbraten, opt for a Riesling from Germany to complement the sweet and sour notes. For roast goose, a medium to full-bodied red wine such as Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) or a rich Riesling can be an excellent choice.

What beer to drink with sauerbraten? ›

Sauerbraten and Kölsch

Fortunately, it pairs perfectly with one of Germany's most popular ones—Kölsch. Brewed in Cologne, this clear, top-fermented beer has a bright straw-yellow color that perfectly depicts the hue Oktoberfest beers have taken on over the years.

What type of meat is most common in Germany? ›

The most common varieties are pork, poultry, and beef. Other varieties of meat are widely available, but are considered to be insignificant. Meat is usually braised; fried dishes also exist, but these recipes usually originate from France and Austria.

Can you marinate sauerbraten too long? ›

Making sauerbraten authentically requires the meat to be marinated for anywhere from 2 to 10 days in a mixture of red wine, vinegar, and spices. Afterward, the meat is both tenderized and deeply flavored. Traditionally, the cut of meat used for sauerbraten, like rump roast, are tougher than other choice cuts of meat.

Why is my roast still tough after 7 hours? ›

Why is my pot roast still tough? It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.

What can I add to my dish to make it less sour? ›

How to Make Food Less Acidic. Add a fat such as butter, heavy cream, sour cream, cheese, or olive oil to coat the tongue and physically block some of the acidity from your taste buds. You might also try adding a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup.

What is the WTF in German? ›

Meanings of "what the f*ck (wtf)" in German English Dictionary : 1 result(s)
CategoryGerman
Speaking
1SpeakingWas (wer) zum Teufel
1 more row

What is a Ritter in Germany? ›

Ritter (German for "knight") is a designation used as a title of nobility in German-speaking areas. Traditionally it denotes the second-lowest rank within the nobility, standing above "Edler" and below "Freiherr" (Baron).

What is the most popular food in Germany? ›

Of all these regional and national dishes, Germany is most famous for Currywurst, sausages, pretzels and Black Forest Gateau, but as you can see, there is plenty more to German cuisine than just these.

What red wine is best for sauerbraten? ›

Red wine (normally a Pinot Noir with high acidity) pairs well with vinegar-marinated veal sauerbraten.

What is the German version of Pinot Noir? ›

The German word for Pinot Noir is Spätburgunder, translating to “late” (spät), referring to the grape's later ripening when compared to other Pinot clones, and Burgundy (Burgunder), the antiquated term for Pinot Noir.

Is Sauerbraten good for you? ›

Nutritional highlights

This meal has a heavy ingredient list which means it is packed with protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients. Two vegetables that deliver a vast number of vitamins and minerals are carrots and celery.

What cut is German roast beef? ›

The roast beef is part of the beef hind quarter. Its distinctly high, soft fat lid protects the meaty meat when roasting. Since, unlike entrecôte, it only consists of a single muscle strand, it is easy to cook.

What cut is Christmas roast beef? ›

They say beef tenderloin is the best for making a holiday roast beef. Yes, it's tender and lean, but at $25 per pound it's also freakin' expensive! Good news is that there's a lesser known cut of beef that's a fraction of the price and can make for an amazing holiday beef roast.

What cut of meat is a chuck roast? ›

chuck meat

The beef chuck cut comes from the animal's upper shoulder and lower neck. Steaks and roasts come from this area. Because the shape of the shoulder bone looks like a seven, chuck steaks are known as 7-bone steaks. Chuck roasts are somewhat fattier than cuts from other parts of the body.

What is rump roast vs chuck roast? ›

Rump roast, not to confuse with bottom round, comes from the hindquarters. Chuck roast comes from a cow's shoulder portion. The hindquarters and shoulder area are both well-used parts of the cow, so these two cuts of meat are naturally pretty tough. Most people agree that roasted rump is the more tender of the two.

References

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