Craving a classic comfort food dish without the carb overload? Look no further than this Keto Salisbury Steak recipe! This dish transforms traditional Salisbury steak into a keto-friendly delight, perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a healthier twist on a beloved favorite.
A Nostalgic Favorite, Reimagined
Many people fondly remember Salisbury steak from childhood, often associating it with frozen "TV dinners." While those versions may have been lacking in nutritional value and packed with carbs, this keto Salisbury steak offers all the comforting flavors without the guilt. This recipe is a low-carb remake of the classic Salisbury Steak!
What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is essentially a hamburger recipe where flavorful patties are cooked in a simple onion and mushroom gravy. The patties are made from ground beef and are seasoned to perfection, while the rich mushroom gravy smothers them in savory goodness.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto Salisbury steak recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Low-Carb: By swapping traditional breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour, the carb count is significantly reduced.
- Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, savory seasonings, and a rich mushroom gravy creates a truly satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Even those not following a keto diet will enjoy this delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients and potential substitutions:
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For the Salisbury Steaks:
- Ground Beef: 80/20 ground beef is recommended for the best flavor and moisture. Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, but the flavor will be different.
- Crushed Pork Rinds: These replace breadcrumbs as a low-carb binder. Almond flour or grated parmesan cheese can be used as substitutes, but the texture may vary.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor.
- Minced Onion: Provides a subtle onion flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
- Sliced Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the gravy.
- Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms: Adds a meaty and earthy flavor to the gravy.
- Beef Broth: Forms the base of the gravy. Beef consommé can be used for a richer flavor.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Adds a classic tangy flavor without the carbs. Tomato paste with added sweetener can be used as a substitute.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth. Liquid aminos or coconut aminos can be used as substitutes.
- Xanthan Gum: Thickens the gravy without adding carbs. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more only if needed.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy and aromatic flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make this delicious keto Salisbury steak:
Preparing the Salisbury Steaks:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed pork rinds (or almond flour), egg, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.
- Form the beef mixture into 4 oval patties of equal size.
Cooking the Salisbury Steaks:
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron is preferred) over medium heat for about a minute.
- Add olive oil or coconut oil to the hot skillet.
- Place the meat patties in the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. For medium-rare, remove at 135°F; for medium, 145°F.
- Remove the patties from the skillet, cover them with foil, and set them aside to rest.
Making the Mushroom Gravy:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and drain off some of the drippings from the skillet, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Don't crowd the pan, and let them cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
- Stir in the beef broth (or consommé), sugar-free ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the xanthan gum and a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This will help prevent clumping.
- Slowly add the xanthan gum slurry to the skillet, whisking constantly until the gravy begins to thicken. If you want a thicker sauce, add the additional 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
- Add the patties back to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the patties to heat through and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This keto Salisbury steak is delicious served over:
- Creamy mashed cauliflower (a must-have!)
- Buttered zoodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- A quick side salad
Tips for Success
- Don't Overwork the Meat: Overworking the meat mixture can result in tough patties.
- Get a Good Sear: Browning the patties on both sides creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.
- Caramelize the Mushrooms: Take the time to properly caramelize the mushrooms for maximum flavor.
- Use Xanthan Gum Carefully: Xanthan gum is a powerful thickener, so start with a small amount and add more gradually as needed.
- Rest the Meat: Let the steaks rest covered in foil for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make-Ahead: You can mix and shape the patties ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked Salisbury steak in the mushroom gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a low oven (about 325°F) covered, until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- No Mushrooms: If you're not a fan of mushrooms, simply skip them! The gravy will still be delicious.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Each serving contains approximately 4 net carbs.
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