Classic Country Cooking: Savor the Flavor of Amish Wedding Steak

Photo byAngie Bright

Amish culture is known for its simplicity, community values, and deeply rooted traditions. One of these beloved traditions comes in the form of hearty, home-cooked meals that reflect their agrarian lifestyle. Among these comforting dishes, Amish Wedding Steak holds a special place. This savory dish is often served at weddings and large gatherings, where family and friends come together to celebrate with food made from scratch.

Amish Wedding Steak is a dish that combines tender cube steaks with a rich, flavorful gravy. The cube steaks, which are often pounded to ensure maximum tenderness, are first pan-fried to develop a golden crust. Then, they’re slowly simmered in a savory gravy made with onions, garlic, beef broth, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. The end result? A meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Recipe: Amish Wedding Steak Ingredients:

For the Steaks:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess coating.
2. Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a crispy golden-brown crust. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a roux. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes, making sure to eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and optional white wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, and cook, whisking occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Return the seared steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the rich gravy. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the steaks simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until they’re tender.
7. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve it alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

The Final Bite This Amish Wedding Steak is more than just a meal; it’s a reflection of a community’s way of life. From its simple, hearty ingredients to the careful preparation, this dish captures the warmth and sense of togetherness that Amish gatherings are known for. Whether you're serving this dish for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it brings a bit of that same community spirit into your own home. The slow-simmered steak paired with rich, flavorful gravy creates a comforting, homey dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Sources:

1. The Spruce Eats
2. Taste of Home
3. Simply Recipes