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.

What wine is best for sauerbraten? ›

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

What does sauerbraten mean in German to English? ›

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's the best way to cook a bottom round? ›

In the Oven

Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes, and use tongs to turn the roast to continue searing until all sides are golden brown. Transfer the roast to a roasting pan, cover with aluminum foil, and place it on the middle oven rack. Roast for 20-30 minutes per pound, usually about 2 hours for a 4-pound roast.

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.

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 is the national dish of Germany? ›

Sauerbraten. Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.

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 do Germans say when they eat? ›

Etiquette Rules when Dining Out in Germany

You'll find that most Germans begin the meal with a hearty Guten Appetit! Similar to Bon Appetit, it is an elegant way to phrase "Let's eat!". More informally, especially at lunch, you can expect an exclamation of "Mahlzeit!".

How do you tenderize beef bottom round? ›

There are numerous ways to tenderize your round steak. You can pound it, slice it against the grain to break down the muscle fiber, marinate it, and cook it slowly on low heat.

Does round roast get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Essential Tips for a Tender Top Round Roast

More specifically, we mean to cook it using low heat and over a long period, both of which work together to break down fat and tenderize the meat.

Is it better to cook a roast at 325 or 350? ›

When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher. Explore the charts below to learn how to get great results every time you cook.

What is rump roast cut called? ›

What we call a rump roast is known by other names, including: Bottom Round Roast. Round Tip Roast. Bottom Round Oven Roast.

What cut of meat is roast beef made from? ›

There's no single cut of beef that is necessary to make roast beef; some common cuts include top-round roast, top sirloin roast, bottom-round roast, and eye of round roast. We usually use a top-round roast, but a bottom-round roast would work too. If you're unsure, ask your butcher!

What kind of meat is chuck tender roast? ›

The chuck tender is from the beef chuck primal, consisting of the supraspinatus muscle, which is situated forward of the large chuck subprimal known as the shoulder clod.

What cut is Christmas roast beef? ›

ribeye roast (Prime RIb)

The Prime Rib, the classic holiday roast. With its rich, beefy flavor, you can't go wrong.

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