Sauerbraten

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005

Show: Good EatsEpisode: Good Wine Gone Bad

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (58)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(58)

Cook Time:
4 hr 20 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 30 min
Inactive Prep: 72 hr 0 min
Cook: 4 hr 20 min
Total:: 76 hr 50 min

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Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, additional for seasoning meat
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
6 whole cloves
12 juniper berries
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 (3 1/2 to 4-pound) bottom round
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
18 dark old-fashioned gingersnaps (about 5 ounces), crushed
1/2 cup seedless raisins, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan over high heat combine the water, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, onion, carrot, salt, pepper, bay leaves, cloves, juniper, and mustard seeds. Cover and bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Pat the bottom round dry and rub with vegetable oil and salt on all sides. Heat a large saute pan over high heat; add the meat and brown on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.

When the marinade has cooled to a point where you can stick your finger in it and not be burned, place the meat in a non-reactive vessel and pour over the marinade. Place into the refrigerator for 3 days. If the meat is not completely submerged in the liquid, turn it over once a day.

After 3 days of marinating, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Add the sugar to the meat and marinade, cover and place on the middle rack of the oven and cook until tender, approximately 4 hours.

Remove the meat from the vessel and keep warm. Strain the liquid to remove the solids. Return the liquid to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Whisk in the gingersnaps and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Add the raisins if desired. Slice the meat and serve with the sauce.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Sauerbraten
Terry Fairfax Station, VA 11-09-2009
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awful, awful, awful
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

Followed this recipe exactly -- AB is my FAVORITE FN host and I chose to make this recipe based on 1) AB himself and 2) the... rave reviews. But, I'm sorry, this recipe was TOO sweet and TOO tangy. Perhaps there must have been a type with the vinegar ratio. I've made sauerbraten before and was looking for a simpler version -- shoud stick with what worked for me the first time. I served this to company over the weekend and was embarrassed to serve it. NO ONE went back for seconds!! That should tell you something. This is the first time I've ever rated a recipe, but it was so awful that I just had to comment. Will not even give this another try. Sorry, AB.Read more
recipe Sauerbraten
Jeanne Oak Park, CA 05-24-2009
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Outstanding.
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I love this. Thank you for having a cooking show that gives some tips that makes a god dish just a little better! Yum.
recipe Sauerbraten
Brian Conifer, CO 02-17-2009
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Devoured Braten
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Easy to make and smells great-vinegar and all. Family scarfed it down, so it must be pretty darn good. I had hoped that the... three days of marinating would break down the meat and make it more tender. It was still Sauerbraten tough, which is the norm. I can't say that it's unique tasting either, just very good Sauerbraten like others I've had. It's a good recipe and but it really is a good based on the familial reaction, I'll make it again.Read more
recipe Sauerbraten
Gail Corvallis, OR 02-15-2009
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Simply Awesome
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Just enough sweet and sour, family loved it, even the meticulous eaters.
recipe Sauerbraten
Nick Boulder, CO 02-13-2009
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Seems like a good recipe
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I am at the marinating stage, so have not had it. I am posting to let you all know that the juniper berries can be purchase... at a Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers, if anyone has them in their area. I live in Boulder, CO.Read more
recipe Sauerbraten
Jackie Cleveland, OH 01-08-2009
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Juniper Sub
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

You can sub 1 teaspoon of gin for every two berries. http://www.foodsubs.com/SpiceEur.html Making today will report back... in a few days Read more