Russian Steak is a homey, tomato-rich variation of Swiss Steak, replacing cream-based soups with a tangy tomato juice base. This dish infuses tender cuts of beef with aromatic layers of onions, bay leaf, cloves, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Designed for slow cooking, the flavors develop into a comforting, savory stew perfect for cool weather or hearty dinners. Its appeal lies in simplicity and deep, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 1 onion (large, sliced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 lbs bottom round steak ( or branded steak, cut ½ inch thick)
- Additional tomato juice (as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
- Cut bottom round or branded steak into ½-inch thick slices. Trim excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the steak slowly on both sides to develop flavor. (Refer to tip card: slow, thorough browning is key.)
Step 3: Layer Ingredients
- Place a layer of sliced onions over the browned steak. Add bay leaf and whole cloves.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasoning
- Pour in 2 cups tomato juice and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Slowly
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until steak is fork-tender.
Step 6: Adjust Liquid as Needed
- Add more tomato juice during cooking if needed to maintain moisture.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Brown the steak slowly and thoroughly, as noted on the card, for the best depth of flavor
- Use Swiss steak-style preparation if preferred, as the card suggests equivalence
- Substitute part of the tomato juice with beef broth for a less acidic sauce
- Add extra onions or mushrooms for a heartier gravy
- Simmer longer (up to 2 hours) for fork-tender beef
- Finish with a splash of additional Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice
- Skim excess fat from the surface before serving for a cleaner sauce
- Leftovers improve in flavor and are excellent reheated the next day
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 42gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 4.6mg
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