Fake Beef Steak: A Budget-Friendly and Perfect Choice for Ramadan

Fake beef steak is an economical and ideal option for your Ramadan table, offering a delicious taste on a budget. This recipe provides protein from meat and eggs, which helps build muscles and keeps you full for longer. Meanwhile, flour and breadcrumbs add the necessary carbohydrates for energy. However, frying can increase calorie content, so baking it in the oven makes it a healthier option. Onions provide iron and antioxidants that support immunity, while spices aid digestion. Enjoy a nutrient-rich recipe that benefits your health during the holy month.

📌 Ingredients:

🔹 For the Steak Mixture:

• ½ kg minced meat
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp meat seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ground breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup flour

🔹 For the Outer Coating:

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• Salt, black pepper, cumin

📌 Substitutes:

• Egg substitute: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
• Breadcrumb substitute: Use oat flour or cornmeal crumbs.
• Meat substitute: Use finely chopped mushrooms or mashed boiled lentils.

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Steak Mixture

• In a deep bowl, add ½ kg minced meat, 1 cup ground breadcrumbs, and ¼ cup flour.
• Add 1 large finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp meat seasoning, and 1 tsp curry powder, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Crack 1 egg into the mixture and mix well with your hands until all ingredients are fully combined.
• Knead for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes firm and easy to shape.

2. Shaping the Fake Steak

• Place a clean plastic bag or parchment paper on a flat surface.
• Take a small ball of the mixture, place it on the plastic bag, and flatten it using your hands or a rolling pin until you get a medium-thickness slice similar to real steak.
• Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until all portions are shaped.

3. Chilling and Setting the Slices

• After shaping all the slices, stack them in a flat dish, placing parchment paper or plastic sheets between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze the slices for at least 1 hour until they become firmer, making them easier to coat and fry later.

4. Preparing the Outer Coating

• In a shallow bowl, place ½ cup flour.
• In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and ¼ tsp cumin until well combined.
• In a third bowl, add ½ cup ground breadcrumbs.

5. Coating the Steak Slices

• Remove the slices from the freezer. Take the first slice and dip it in flour, ensuring full coverage.
• Then, dip it in the beaten egg mixture, making sure it is coated from all sides.
• Finally, coat it with ground breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick well.
• Repeat this process for all slices.

6. Frying or Baking

🔸 For Frying:

• Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
• Place the coated steak slices in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• After frying, place them on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

🔸 For Baking (Healthier Option):

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
• Place the steak slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown on both sides.

7. Serving

• Serve the fake beef steak hot with French fries, white rice, or side salads as desired.
• You can add sauces like ketchup, mustard, or cheese sauce for an extra delicious taste.

✨ Enjoy your meal! ❤️

Tips for Beginners

• It's best to shape the slices no thicker than 0.5 cm to ensure quick cooking and prevent them from falling apart.
• For a perfect crunch, you can add a little cornstarch to the breadcrumbs.
• Avoid flipping the slices too often while frying to prevent breaking.
• If you're using mashed potatoes as a meat substitute, add 1 tsp of flour for better firmness.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. What is the difference between fake steak and regular steak?
Regular steak is made from direct beef slices, while fake steak is made from minced meat mixed with other ingredients like breadcrumbs and flour to mimic the traditional steak texture.

2. Can fake steak be made without meat?
Yes, you can use plant-based alternatives such as mashed potatoes, lentils, or minced mushrooms.

3. How can I store fake steak for a long time?
You can freeze it before frying for up to a month, placing parchment paper or plastic sheets between slices to prevent sticking.

4. How can I make fake steak more tender?
Adding a little yogurt or 1 tsp of white vinegar to the mixture helps make it softer and juicier.

5. Why does fake steak fall apart while frying?
This could be due to:

• Insufficient kneading of the mixture.
• Not chilling it long enough before frying.
• Using too much flour in the mixture.

6. What’s the best way to make fake steak crispier?
You can add a little cornstarch to the breadcrumbs or use coarse breadcrumbs instead of fine ones.

7. What sauces go well with fake steak?
It pairs well with cheese sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, ketchup, or spicy mustard, depending on your preference.