Authentic German Sauerbraten
Sep 08, 2025 03:05 AM
One of Germany’s national dishes, this authentic German Sauerbraten features beef roast that is marinated, cooked until fork tender, and served with a wonderfully rich and flavorful sweet-tangy gravy! Serve it with the traditional sides of Rotkohl, potatoes, Semmelknödel, Kartoffelklöße, or Spätzle for a hearty and thoroughly satisfying and unforgettable meal. And whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, casual family gathering, or as part of your Oktoberfest dinner, you’re all set for a memorable feast!
Sauerbraten is a traditional German beef roast that is marinated, browned, and slow-cooked. It is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, wine, spices and herbs over the course of several days which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with its characteristic tangy flavor (hence the name sauerbraten, the German word for “sour roast”).
Sauerbraten is a dish that definitely requires some advance planning as the roast has to marinate for about a week before it’s ready to cook. Don’t cut corners by shortening the marinating time and or holding back on the marinade ingredients. Prepare that amazing marinade, let the meat marinate fully and then reap the rewards for your patience!
Ingredients:
- 2 large yellow onions , chopped
- 2 large carrots , diced
- 1 large leek , chopped, thoroughly washed and drained to remove any dirt
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 large sprigs thyme , or 1 teaspoon dried
- 2 small sprigs rosemary , or 1 teaspoon dried
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 juniper berries , cracked
- 6 whole cloves
- 10 whole black peppercorns , cracked
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups dry red wine (e.g., cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir)
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 pounds beef roast (tougher cuts like bottom round or rump roast are traditional but you can also use chuck roast)
- 4 slices bacon , finely diced (optional); some variations include but most do not
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 3 ounces ginger snap cookies , crumbled
- 1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
120 minutes
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