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Sauerbraten
Bring vinegar, wine, water, onion, carrot, celery, juniper, cloves, bay and peppercorns to a boil, then cool completely. Put the beef in a non-reactive bowl or bag, pour the cold marinade over, cover and refrigerate three days, turning once a day.
Tip: Glass, ceramic or a zip bag. Not aluminium.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Sauerbraten take?
75 hr 30 min all in — 30 min prep, 3 hr cook, 72 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Mixing bowl, Chef's knife, Tongs.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 2 tsp.
How much sugar?
1 tbsp (to taste) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Red wine → More water and 2 extra tbsp vinegar. Drier, sharper gravy. Add a little more sugar at the end. Raisins → Leave them out. That is the Swabian version. Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream instead.
What should I watch for?
A wet surface will steam instead of brown. Dry it again if in doubt.
Any tips from this recipe?
Two days of marinating works. Five is better than three. Under 48 hours it is just pot roast with a sour sauce. A crumbled gingersnap or piece of Lebkuchen stirred into the gravy instead of the roux is the old Rhineland thickener and worth trying once. Leftovers slice thin for sandwiches with mustard. The gravy keeps a week.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.