Roast Beef in Salt Crust Recipe
Category: Main Course
Serves: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (preferably a compact cut) | 650g |
| Coarse salt | 2kg |
| Fresh rosemary | 5g |
| Bay leaves | 5g |
| Fresh thyme | 5g |
| Water | 30g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sodium | High (due to salt crust) |
Instructions
Preparing the Herb Blend
- Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the fresh herbs: rosemary, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Finely chop the herbs into a uniform mixture.
Prepping the Beef
- Examine the beef for any excess fat, trimming it as needed.
- If your cut of beef is not naturally compact, tie it with kitchen twine to create a firm, uniform shape.
Seasoning the Beef
- Massage the herb mixture into the beef, ensuring the aromatic blend coats all sides evenly. Press the herbs gently into the meat to help them adhere.
Creating the Salt Crust
- Choose a high-sided baking dish slightly larger than the beef, leaving about 2 cm of space around the meat.
- Spread a 2 cm layer of coarse salt across the bottom of the dish.
- Place the seasoned beef on top of the salt layer.
- Completely cover the beef with the remaining salt, ensuring all sides are enveloped in a 2 cm thick salt crust.
Tip: Use coarse salt as it forms a protective barrier during cooking. Avoid fine salt, which might overly permeate the meat.
Moistening the Salt Crust
- Lightly drizzle water over the surface of the salt crust. This step helps the salt solidify into a shell during baking, locking in the meat’s natural juices.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the beef for approximately 45 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the time to your preferred level of doneness, keeping in mind that the salt crust retains heat, slightly continuing the cooking process after removal from the oven.
Removing the Salt Crust
- Allow the beef to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Carefully crack and peel away the hardened salt crust, brushing off any remaining salt granules from the beef’s surface.
Serving
- Slice the roast beef into thin, tender slices and serve immediately. Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a drizzle of jus for an elevated dining experience.
This roast beef in a salt crust is a celebration of simplicity, allowing the beef’s natural flavors to shine while being subtly enhanced by the aromatic herbs. Enjoy this dish as a centerpiece for any special occasion or family gathering!
