16 Cooks Illustrated Swiss Steak Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Cooks Illustrated is known for their meticulously tested and perfected recipes, and their Swiss steak recipe is no exception. This classic dish, also known as smothered steak, is a crowd-pleaser for its tender beef and flavorful gravy. In this article, we will break down the steps and techniques used in the Cooks Illustrated Swiss steak recipe, so you can recreate this comforting dish in your own kitchen.
First up, we have a classic Swiss Steak recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender steak is coated in a flavorful tomato and onion gravy and slow-cooked to perfection. Serve over a bed of rice or with a side of your favorite vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal.
If you're a fan of country-style cooking, you'll love this recipe for Country Swiss Steak. The steak is coated in a blend of herbs and spices, then slow-cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Short on time but still want a delicious homemade meal? This Slow Cooker Swiss Steak recipe is the perfect solution. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. In just a few hours, you'll have a tender and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
For those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal, try this recipe for Easy Swiss Steak. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Family Swiss Steak
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Dried Thyme, Sweet
Looking for a recipe that will please the whole family? This Family Swiss Steak is sure to do the trick. The steak is slow-cooked in a rich and savory tomato sauce, creating a tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Next up, we have a delicious Crockpot Swiss Steak recipe that is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. Just throw all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic. The end result? A tender and flavorful steak that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
If you're a fan of mushrooms, you'll love this recipe for Swiss Steak with Mushrooms. The tender steak is slow-cooked with a flavorful mushroom and onion gravy, creating a dish that is bursting with savory flavors. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Looking for a recipe that will bring back memories of home-cooked meals? This Mom's Swiss Steak is just the ticket. The steak is coated in a flavorful gravy and slow-cooked to perfection, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
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Swiss Steak {crock Pot}
Main Ingredients: Beef Steak, Flour, Olive Oil, Onions, Green Peppers
If you love using your crockpot for easy and delicious meals, give this Swiss Steak recipe a try. The steak is slow-cooked in a rich and tangy tomato sauce, creating a dish that is full of flavor. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
For those who love classic and traditional recipes, this Old Fashioned Swiss Steak is a must-try. The steak is coated in a flavorful tomato and onion gravy and slow-cooked to perfection. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic and heartwarming meal.
If you're a fan of using your Instant Pot for quick and easy meals, you'll love this recipe for Instant Pot Swiss Steak. The tender steak is coated in a flavorful tomato and onion gravy and cooked to perfection in just a fraction of the time it would take in a slow cooker. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
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Classic Italian Bread by Bread Illustrated
Main Ingredients: Bread, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Lager, Water, Extra
No meal is complete without a side of warm and crusty bread. This Classic Italian Bread recipe is a perfect accompaniment to any of the Swiss Steak recipes listed above. With a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior, this bread is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Crock Pot Swiss Steak With Tomato Soup
Main Ingredients: Round Steak, All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Pepper
For a twist on the classic Swiss Steak recipe, try this Crock Pot Swiss Steak with Tomato Soup. The tomato soup adds a unique and delicious flavor to the gravy, making this dish stand out from the rest. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Swiss Steak with Brown Gravy and the Process of...
Main Ingredients: Rump Roast, Tapioca Flour, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a recipe that will impress your dinner guests, look no further than this Swiss Steak with Brown Gravy. The steak is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful brown gravy, creating a dish that is both elegant and delicious. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and asparagus for a gourmet meal.
For those who prefer oven-baked meals, this recipe for Oven-Baked Swiss Steak is a must-try. The steak is coated in a savory tomato and onion gravy and baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
If you're looking for a taste of Amish cooking, this recipe for Yoder's Swiss Steak is a great place to start. The steak is coated in a flavorful gravy and slow-cooked to perfection, creating a dish that is both hearty and delicious. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Amish-inspired meal.
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Slow-Cooker Swiss Steak and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Cubed Steaks, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Sliced Mushrooms
For a twist on the classic Swiss Steak recipe, try this Slow-Cooker Swiss Steak and Gravy. The steak is slow-cooked in a flavorful mushroom and onion gravy, creating a dish that is bursting with savory flavors. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables for a well-balanced and delicious meal.
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Brown Sugar Cookies - Cooks Illustrated
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and these Brown Sugar Cookies from Cooks Illustrated are the perfect way to end your Swiss Steak dinner. These soft and chewy cookies are loaded with brown sugar and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
The Secret to Tender Swiss Steak
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
One of the key factors in creating a tender Swiss steak is choosing the right cut of meat. Cooks Illustrated recommends using top round steak, which is a lean and flavorful cut that is also budget-friendly. This cut of meat is tougher than other cuts, but through the process of pounding and braising, it becomes tender and flavorful.
Pounding and Braising
In order to achieve the desired tenderness in the top round steak, Cooks Illustrated suggests pounding the meat to break down the tough fibers. This can be done with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. After pounding, the steak is then braised in a flavorful mixture of beef broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender while also infusing it with rich flavors.
The Importance of Resting
Once the Swiss steak is finished cooking, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that each bite is succulent and flavorful. Skipping this step can result in a dry and tough steak.
Creating a Flavorful Gravy
Using a Slurry
The Swiss steak recipe from Cooks Illustrated calls for creating a slurry, which is a mixture of flour and water, to thicken the gravy. This technique prevents the gravy from becoming lumpy and ensures a smooth and velvety texture.
Adding Worcestershire Sauce
A secret ingredient in the Cooks Illustrated Swiss steak recipe is Worcestershire sauce. This adds a depth of flavor to the gravy and balances out the richness of the beef broth. Be sure to use a high-quality Worcestershire sauce for best results.
Garnishing with Fresh Parsley
To add a pop of freshness and color to the dish, Cooks Illustrated recommends finishing the Swiss steak with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. This not only enhances the presentation of the dish but also adds a subtle herbaceous note to the gravy.
Experience the Perfection
By following the Cooks Illustrated Swiss steak recipe, you can experience the perfection of this classic dish in your own home. Remember to choose the right cut of meat, use proper techniques, and add a few secret ingredients to create a tender and flavorful Swiss steak that will have your family and friends begging for more.
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