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Traditional Zwiebelrostbraten - German Onion Beef Roast with crispy fried onions.

Zwiebelrostbraten

A hearty and cozy dish featuring tender pan-roasted beef, rich brown roast sauce, and crispy fried onions, typically served with Spätzle.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Rump steak or sirloin Cut of beef that cooks quickly but stays juicy.
  • 2 to 3 pieces Large onions, sliced thin For frying and topping the dish.
  • 2 tbsp Flour or cornstarch For lightly coating onions and thickening the sauce.
  • 1 cup Beef broth Low salt if possible for better control of seasoning.
  • 2 tbsp Butter For flavor in the pan.
  • 2 tbsp Oil For frying onions.
  • to taste tsp Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • splash Red wine or vinegar Optional for enhancing the sauce.
  • 2 cups Spätzle Homemade or store-bought.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fry the onions first. Slice them thin, toss with a little flour, and fry in hot oil until golden and crisp. Do not crowd the pan. Drain on paper towels and salt them immediately.
  2. Cook the beef next. Pat it dry, season well, and sear in a hot pan with a bit of oil and butter until a good brown crust forms. Cook to your preferred doneness, then pull it out to rest.
  3. Build the roast sauce in the same pan. Lower the heat, add a bit more butter if the pan is dry, then pour in the broth and scrape up the browned bits. Simmer until it tastes rich.
  4. If you want the sauce thicker, whisk in a little cornstarch slurry. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Prepare Spätzle. If store-bought, warm it near the end. If making fresh, do that while the sauce simmers.
  6. Assemble the dish: plate the Spätzle, place the beef on top, pour sauce over the meat, and finish with the fried onions.

Notes

For best results, fry the onions in small batches to maintain crispiness. Store fried onions uncovered to avoid steaming. Serve with roasted potatoes or a simple salad as a side.