Traditional Allgäuer Zwiebelrostbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten is one of the most delicious meals that you can find in Bavaria. The variation I will be making today comes from Allgäu and it consists of wonderfully grilled rump steak, cheese spätzle, fresh fried onions, and rich gravy. Does it sound delicious? If yes, please keep on reading!

Table of Contents

Traditional Allgäuer Zwiebelrostbraten

Traditional Allgäuer Zwiebelrostbraten

2a16f011bd5eb4ebf04246c3ac67e4c4?s=30&d=mm&r=gMarta
Zwiebelrostbraten is one of the most significant German dishes. Fresh fried onions along with steak and Cheese Spätzle go incredibly well together and satisfy the most demanding taste buds! I would encourage you to make also the side dishes from scratch because those make the dish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine German
Servings 2 people
INGREDIENTS
 
 

Fried onions

  • 500 ml sunflower oil
  • 3 onions medium
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika powder
  • salt

Zwiebelrostbraten

  • 2 tbsp clarified butter lard, or vegetable oil
  • 2 rump steaks 3 cm (1,2 inch) thick

Gravy

  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 100 ml dry red wine
  • 150 ml beef fond
  • 1-2 tsp sugar
  • salt
  • pepper
  • Mondamin or flour-butter mixture to thicken the gravy
INSTRUCTIONS
 
  • Take the steaks out of the fridge for at least 20 minutes before you fry them.
    zwiebelrostbraten take the steaks out
Prepare the fried onions.
  • Preheat the sunflower oil in a small pot to 170-200°C (338°F).
    How to make Zwiebelrostbraten? Preheat the Oil
  • In the meantime cut the onions into thin slices.
    zwiebelrostbraten fried onion slices
  • Mix flour and paprika powder in a small bowl.
    zwiebelrostbraten flour paprika
  • Before frying, mix the onion rings with the flour and paprika powder mixture.
    zwiebelrostbraten preparing onion
  • Add a handful of the coated onion slices to the oil. I am using a skimmer for that. The temperature of the oil will drop a bit, but don't worry about that. Fry the onions until golden (for 2-3 minutes). Make sure they are not brown, because they will turn bitter.
    zwiebelrostbraten frying the onion
  • Before you add the next bunch of onion slices, check the oil temperature; if it's right, you can keep frying.
  • If the golden onion slices do not turn perfectly crispy - don't worry - they will be favourably aromatic anyway!
Prepare Zwiebelrostbraten
  • Wash and tap dry the steaks.
    zwiebelrostbraten tap dry the steak
  • Preheat the oven to 100°C (212°F).
  • Take a cast iron skillet and let the clarified butter melt on high heat.
    zwiebelrostbraten preheat the oil 1
  • Fry the steak for 1 minute.
    zwiebelrostbraten fry the steaks
  • Turn around and fry for another minute.
    zwiebelrostbraten turn the steak
  • Take the meat out, put it on the plate, and let it rest for 20 minutes. The steak will be medium.
    zwiebelrostbraten steak rests in the oven
Prepare the Gravy
  • Chop the onion very finely.
    zwiebelrostbraten cut the onion for gravy
  • Fry the onion in the same pan until golden brown.
    zwiebelrostbraten fry the onion
  • Add the tomato puree, mix, and cook it for 2 minutes.
    zwiebelrostbraten add totato puree
  • Add wine and let it cook on medium heat for another 2-3 minutes.
    zwiebelrostbraten add wine
  • Add beef broth or fond and cook the sauce for around 10 minutes.
    zwiebelrostbraten add broth
  • Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and sugar!
  • If you like thick gravies, add Mondamin or a flour-water mixture to thicken the gravy.
    zwiebelrostbraten thicken gravy
Assemble the Dish
  • Take the stakes out of the oven. Add the meat juice from the plate to the gravy. Mix to combine.
  • Serve the steak with gravy on the side and roast onion slices on the top.
    zwiebelrostbraten assamble zwiebelrostbraten 1
VIDEO
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NOTES
As a side dish for this amazing dish, I would love to encourage you to serve cheese spätzle. My favorite cheese spätzle recipe you will find here:
Creamy Cheese Spätzle Recipe.

What is Zwiebelrostbraten?

Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional dish originating from southern Germany, particularly favored in areas like Bavaria and Swabia. While there are various adaptations of Zwiebelrostbraten throughout Germany, I would like to focus on the version that I cherish the most—the Allgäu Zwiebelrostbraten.

Historical Background

Traditional Allgäuer Zwiebelrostbraten

The dish likely came into prominence between the 18th and 19th centuries, a time when beef became a widely enjoyed and budget-friendly protein among middle-class families. It was frequently complemented by rich gravies and accompaniments like onions to enhance the flavor and make meals more satisfying. In its early days, Zwiebelrostbraten was a rustic meal prepared in households and served in inns or taverns. Over the years, it gained a place in Viennese and southern German eateries, solidifying its reputation as a regional classic.

The Perfect Combination: Beef, Spätzle, Roast Sauce and Fried Onions

Beef: The classic Allgäu Zwiebelrostbraten is typically made using Rump Steak. The steak is cooked to a medium doneness, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. Alternatively, sirloin or ribeye cuts may also be used.

Traditional Allgäuer Zwiebelrostbraten

Spätzle: These Swabian egg noodles make a delightful partner for any saucy dish. Throughout my experiences dining on Zwiebelrostbraten in various Allgäu restaurants, I still prefer pairing it with Swabian Käsespätzle. If you’re interested in learning how to make authentic German Cheese Spätzle from Scratch (which includes various cheeses), check out the Käsespätzle Ultimate Guide.

Roast Gravy: Beef steaks are usually served with a gravy made with beef drippings, beef stock, red wine, onions, and seasonings, which gives them a deep and savoury flavour.

Fried Onions: Crispy onions are a hallmark of this dish. They are often deep-fried until golden brown and served as a topping.

Other serving suggestions are:

  • Krautspatzen – Spätzle mixed with Sauerkraut
  • Kartoffelpuffer – German Potato Pancakes
  • Gurkensalat – German Cucumber Salad

The Cultural Significance of Zwiebelrostbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten is one of the most iconic dishes from Swabian, Bavarian and Austrian cuisines. The simple, high-quality ingredients bring comfort and are often enjoyed at family celebrations.

The dish’s enduring popularity lies in its balance of bold flavours and its ability to be both a casual and elegant meal, depending on preparation and presentation. It continues to be a celebrated classic in German-speaking regions, featured in home cooking and upscale dining establishments.

Tools that might come in handy

Where to Find Authentic Zwiebelrostbraten?

My first (and best) Zwiebelrostbraten was in the summer of 2013 at Haus Christine in Speiden, and I enjoy it every year when on holiday in Allgäu. Restaurant Mauchers also cooks a very decent one!

Related Recipes

If you are look for some inspiration see how The German Serve Beef Steaks Video embedded from my YouTube Channel below:

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Marta Kieser is a food guide and blogger who lives in Frankfurt with her husband and 1-year-old son. Apart from food guiding, she loves cooking, having guests over, swimming, hiking, and running.