Meat cooked to fork tenderness in a sauce flavoured with onions and garlic is irresistible. The dark-rich sauce is made from simmering the beef, wherein the cubes release their natural juices and turn into a sauce that is to die for!
In Czech cuisine, this recipe is known as Sv ková na smetan?, and it is traditionally served with bread dumplings also known as knedlík s moukou.
The steps to make this recipe may seem a little time-consuming. However, you will not regret making these tender beef cubes. Skip the initial phase and cook the cubes in a pressure cooker to quicken the cooking process.
Here are a few secret tips to make a delicious Czech-style Beef Cube:
Brown the Beef Well
According to a United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report, consumption of meat is expected to continue increasing by 1.7 percent per year through 2022. Needless to say, meat lovers are here to stay.
Browning beef is one of the essential cooking steps. To ensure that all sides of the meat are browned equally, you can use a large skillet with oven-safe handles over medium-high heat, or you can sear the beef in batches in an electric pressure cooker after adding some onions and garlic. If the sauce is too bland, add more salt and pepper.
If you like it spicy, prep up your stew with a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or mustard. Also, do not forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley before serving.
Choose the Best Beef
It is worth your time but skip the store-bought beef cubes. They are not the best to cook with. They harden, and no matter how long you cook them, they do not soften.
Therefore, look for beef that has a good marbling of fat all around. And choose one with a more significant cut so you can cut it into cubes yourself.
Remember, a fork-tender beef cube cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and onion is simply the best!
Don’t Be Afraid of the Cream
Traditionally, the sauce that goes with beef is prepared with heavy cream and flour. But if you do not want dairy products into your food, then substitute it with some coconut milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Likewise, if you are searching for an option to replace gluten, choose tapioca flour instead of wheat flour.
Cook the Stew in Advance
Like many other traditional Czech recipes, beef prepared a day or so earlier are better as they sit in the fridge and soak the sauce. The flavors get a chance to develop.
Use Garlic Gravy
Garlic gravy is an excellent choice for those who prefer a thicker sauce without using heavy cream. The sauce can be easily turned into a delicious garlic gravy. To do so, use water instead of broth and add some extra garlic, cornstarch slurry made from 2-3 tsp (10-15 ml) of water, and 1 tsp (5 grams) of cornstarch.
Dust the Beef with Flour
Traditionally, the beef cubes are dusted with flour to create a thickening agent that makes a slightly crispy crust. You can miss this step if needed or use gluten-free flour.
Serve with Bread Dumplings (Knedlíky)
You can serve this delicious recipe with roasted potatoes or, as it is, with fried onions sprinkled over the top.
However, the traditional accompaniment for this meal is bread dumplings which can be easily made at home.
To make your delicious bread dumplings, you will have to:
- Read and follow the cooking instructions on your packet of yeast. Mix all the dry ingredients, such as flour, yeast, salt, etc., in a bowl and add water to form a dough. Knead it for 10-12 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Let it rest covered with a damp kitchen towel for 15-30 minutes to make the dough easier to roll out.
- Roll out the dough about ½ inch (1 cm) thick and cut round shapes using a cup or glass. Boil the cut-outs in salted water until they float up to the surface. It may take 10-15 minutes for the cut-outs to rise. Then, drain well and transfer onto plates and top them with the prepared beef.
Thus, cooking an authentic beef recipe is not as difficult as it may seem. Remember to set aside enough time and choose tender meat to make a quick, easy, and delicious meal!
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