2000s Recipes + Menus

Smothered Steak

Serves4
  • Active Time:25 min
  • Start to Finish:2 hr
RECIPE ADAPTED FROM IN PURSUIT OF FLAVOR BY EDNA LEWIS
January 2008
"Smothering" means braising a tough cut of meat to tenderize it. Slow simmering also concentrates the flavor of the gravy.
  • 4 bacon slices
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 lb chuck eye or blade steaks
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups thinly sliced onion
  • 1 cup water
  • Cook bacon in 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, reserving fat in skillet, then crumble.
  • Meanwhile, pound steaks 1/4 inch thick between sheets of plastic wrap using flat side of a meat pounder. Snip through any gristle with kitchen shears (to prevent curling), then pat steaks dry.
  • Mix together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and dredge steaks on all sides, shaking off excess.
  • Heat reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then brown steaks on both sides in batches; transfer to a plate.
  • Add onion to skillet with remaining tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and scraping up brown bits, until softened and browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Add steaks with any meat juices and water and bring to a boil. Simmer, tightly covered, over low heat until meat is very tender, about 1 1/4 hours. If sauce is thin, transfer meat to a platter and boil until reduced to about 1 cup. Season steaks with salt and pepper. Serve with sauce and sprinkled with bacon.

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