Hamburger Steak Recipe

Hamburger Steak Recipe:
History of Hamburger Steak:
Hamburger steak, also known as Salisbury steak, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was named after James Salisbury, a physician who advocated for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. The original Salisbury steak was made with minced beef and seasoned with salt and pepper. Over the years, various additions and variations have been made to the recipe, resulting in the popular dish we know today.

Fun Fact:
The term "hamburger" actually refers to the dish being made from beef, not necessarily being served on a bun. Hamburger steak is a great alternative for those who prefer to enjoy the flavors of a beef patty without the bread.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of raw beef, lean and trimmed of fat and stringy pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, grated or fried with onions (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the pan

Instructions:
1. Take the pound of raw beef and chop it extremely fine. The finer the chop, the better the texture of the hamburger steak. Remove any excess fat and stringy pieces.
2. Season the chopped beef with salt and pepper, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the meat. You can also grate in part of an onion or fry with onions for added flavor if desired.
3. Once seasoned, divide the beef mixture into individual portions and shape them into round cakes with a diameter of a little less than one-half inch. The thickness can be adjusted to personal preference.
4. Heat a pan over medium-high heat until it is blue hot. Lightly grease the pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully add the beef cakes to the heated and greased pan. Allow them to cook for about 60 seconds on one side before turning them over.
6. Cook the beef cakes for an additional 60 seconds on the second side. This will result in a rare doneness. If desired, cook for an additional 10 minutes for a well-done hamburger steak.
7. Once the hamburger steaks are well browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, they are ready to be served. Serve them hot with side dishes of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. Bitki (Russian Hamburger Steak):
- Take two cups of clear beef that has been chopped finely.
- Soak two cups of bread crumbs in a little water until they are moist, then mix them thoroughly with the beef.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into individual cakes and fry as directed for regular hamburger steak.

2. Chopped Meat with Raisins (Romanian):
- Take a pound of chopped meat and add grated onion, an egg, matzoth flour, and white pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form them into small balls.
- In a pot, combine the meatballs with half a cup of water, fat, sugar, black raisins, and a few slices of lemon.
- Let the mixture stew for half an hour.
- Thicken the gravy by adding a tablespoon of flour browned in a tablespoon of fat.
- Serve the meatballs with the thickened gravy.

These similar recipes provide alternative flavors and variations on the classic hamburger steak, allowing you to explore different cuisines and textures.