Zwiebelrostbraten - Pan Fried Beef Steaks With Fried Onions

By "Rostbraten", an Austrian means a thinly sliced sirloin steak which is slightly pounded, seasoned and quickly fried in hot oil. It is always served with a pan gravy. This basic application serves many recipes, of which the one topped with crispy fried onions is the most popular.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 steaks

Ingredients

• 4  sirloin steaks, 1/4 inch thick, 6-7 oz each
• 2  large onions
• 1  cup flour
• 2  cups  oil, plus 2 tsp oil
• 2  teaspoons butter
• 1  teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• 1  teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1  cup  whipping cream, or
• 1  cup  light cream
• 1  cup beef broth
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. In a heavy sauce pan heat 2 cups of vegetable oil to @ 350°F Cut the onions in thin slices, separate into rings.
2. On a plate mix the flour with paprika, dip the lightly moistened onion rings into the flour mixture, coat well and quickly fry them in batches. Remove to a paper towel lined plate, season with salt, set aside.
3. Lightly pound the steaks between 2 sheets of parchment paper, using the flat side of the mallet only. Nick the edges 3-4 times to prevent them from curling up.
4. Season with salt and pepper and coat them on both side with the flour - paprika mixture.
5. In another large frying pan heat 2 tsp of oil and 2 tsp of Butter und quickly fry the steaks, ca. 1 - 2 minutes on each side, add more oil if needed. Remove them from the pan, cover and keep them warm.
6. Add 1/3 of the previously fried onions to the pan, add the mustard and deglaze with some of the beef stock, correct seasonings. Reduce the pan juices to half, scraping off the browned bits at the bottom, add the cream and simmer for a minute or two.
7. At the very end, add the beef steaks to the sauce to heat through, don't let the sauce boil anymore. Add more broth if the gravy gets too thick.
8. Serve with spaetzle or potatoes and top with the remaining onion rings.