Beef and onions have been a dynamic duo in the world of cooking for centuries. Whether it’s in stews, roasts, or burgers, this combination adds depth and flavor to any dish. While some may shy away from onions due to their pungent taste, they are actually an essential ingredient that enhances the flavor of beef.
The sweetness of onions balances out the richness of beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. The combination is not only tasty but also nutritious as beef is an excellent source of protein and onions provide essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and potassium.
Why MSG Isn’t So Bad After All
Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a commonly used flavor enhancer in many dishes. However, it has received a lot of negative attention due to its alleged health risks. The truth is, there is no conclusive evidence that MSG is harmful to our health.
MSG has been used in food production for over a century, and while some may experience mild reactions to it, such as headaches or flushing, it is generally safe to consume in moderation. In fact, MSG is found naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
It is essential to note that consuming too much of anything, including salt, sugar, or fat, can be harmful to our health. Therefore, it’s crucial to consume all ingredients in moderation and ensure a well-balanced diet.
Benefits of Beef
Beef is a staple ingredient in many dishes worldwide, and for good reason. It is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. Consuming beef in moderation can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
One of the key benefits of beef is its high protein content. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues in the body. A 3-ounce serving of beef provides about 25 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to build muscle.
Another benefit of beef is its iron content. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Consuming beef can help prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells.
Choosing the Right Beef
When it comes to selecting beef for your recipes, it’s important to choose the right cut. Different cuts of beef have varying levels of fat and tenderness, which affects their taste and texture.
Lean cuts of beef such as sirloin or round steak are ideal for those looking for a low-fat option. On the other hand, fattier cuts such as ribeye or T-bone steak have a richer flavor but are higher in fat content.
It’s also important to choose beef that is fresh and of good quality. Look for meat that is bright red, firm, and has a minimal amount of visible fat.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, beef and onions are a classic pairing that adds flavor and nutrition to any dish. While MSG has received a bad reputation, it is generally safe to consume in moderation. Remember to choose the right cut of beef and ensure that it is fresh and of good quality. Whether you’re making a hearty stew or a simple hamburger steak, beef and onions are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS:
Ground beef:
This is the main ingredient for the hamburger steak. When selecting ground beef, choose a type that has a good fat content, around 20-30%, as this will make the burger more flavorful and juicy.
Onions:
Onions are a great flavor enhancer in any dish, but particularly in beef dishes. They add a sweet and savory flavor to the burger and also provide a bit of crunch. The recipe calls for finely chopped onions in the beef mixture, and sliced onions for the sauce.
MSG:
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is a controversial ingredient, as some studies have linked it to adverse health effects such as headaches, but the evidence is not conclusive. It is important to note that MSG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Salt and Pepper:
These are basic seasoning ingredients that help to enhance the flavor of the beef.
Flour:
Flour is used to dredge the burger patties before frying, which helps to create a crispy crust. It is also used to thicken the sauce.
Lard:
Lard is a type of rendered pig fat that is commonly used in cooking. It has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying. However, it is also high in saturated fat, so it should be used in moderation.
Garlic:
Garlic is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including beef dishes. It adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce is a salty, umami-rich sauce made from fermented soybeans. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine to add flavor to dishes.
Water:
Water is used to thin the sauce and create a more liquid consistency. It also helps to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky.
How to Cook Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo ground beef
- 3 Tbsp. red onions finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup sliced white onions
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 Tbsp. lard
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- MSG or granulated seasoning
- a dash of pepper
Instructions
How to cook Hamburger Steak with Onions:
- Mix the ground beef with 3 Tbsp. of finely chopped onions and season to taste with MSG, salt, and pepper.
- Shaped into thick patties and dredge into sifted flour and fry in a very hot lard until done.
- Remove fried burger patties from the pan. Reduce heat then add crushed garlic and 1 1/2 cups sliced onions.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and saute slowly until onions turns to brown.
- Sprinkle the flour and soy sauce over the sauteed onions. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer until the sauce is thick.
- Arrange the hamburgers on a platter and pour the sauce over the burgers.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- When mixing the ground beef with onions, be sure to mix them thoroughly so that the onions are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Be sure to shape the patties into thick, uniform sizes so that they cook evenly.
- Dredging the patties in flour before frying helps to create a crispy crust and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- Fry the patties in hot lard to achieve a deliciously crispy and golden exterior.
- To prevent the onions from burning while sautéing, cook them over low heat and stir frequently.
- When making the sauce, be sure to sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness. If it's too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.
- When arranging the burgers on a platter, pour the sauce over them just before serving to ensure that they stay hot and juicy.
