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Amish Poor Man’s Steak: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and economical dish rooted in traditional Amish cooking. Despite its humble ingredients, this recipe delivers rich flavor and tender meat, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. The dish typically uses thinly sliced beef, coated with a seasoned mixture, and pan-fried to perfection, creating a golden crust while retaining juicy tenderness inside. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner option. It’s versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amish Poor Man’s Steak stands out because it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal kitchen skills, and cooks quickly. The flavor profile is comforting yet robust, with the seasoned coating creating a satisfying crunch and the beef remaining tender. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish also freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep. By following this recipe, you can enjoy an authentic Amish dish without breaking the bank.Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (chuck or round works best)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by patting the beef slices dry with a paper towel. This ensures the coating sticks well and the steak fries evenly. If your slices are thick, gently pound them to about ¼ inch thickness for more tenderness.
Step 2: Season and Flour
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with milk until smooth. Dip each slice of beef first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat vegetable oil or shortening in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of coated beef is added. This ensures a crisp, golden crust.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
Carefully place the coated beef slices in the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Use thin, tender cuts of beef to ensure the meat cooks evenly and remains juicy. Pound thicker slices if needed. Avoid high heat, as it can burn the coating before the meat is fully cooked. For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef briefly in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of mustard before coating.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crisp exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Amish Poor Man’s Steak pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or steamed green beans complement the crispy, savory steak. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple garden salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
This dish also works well for sandwiches. Slice the steak and place it on a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mustard for a hearty, portable meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg