Beef Roulade
Tender flank steak is pounded thin, filled with an aromatic mixture of Indian spices and herbs, then rolled and slow-simmered in a rich, savory tomato gravy. A truly impressive fusion main course.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beef
- b.Place the flank steak between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the steak to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
- c.Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season one side generously with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Aromatic Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until soft and golden.
- c.Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- d.Stir in 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- e.Remove from heat and mix in the breadcrumbs, chopped coriander leaves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble and Sear the Roulade
- b.Spread the cooled filling evenly over the seasoned side of the beef, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
- c.Starting from one of the shorter ends, roll the beef up tightly into a compact log.
- d.Secure the roulade firmly with butcher's twine at 1-inch intervals to hold its shape.
- e.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully place the roulade in the pot and sear on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Gravy
- b.In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the second chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- c.Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- d.Stir in the remaining 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder. Cook for 30 seconds.
- e.Pour in the tomato puree and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and oil begins to separate at the edges.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer to Tenderness
- b.Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the gravy to a simmer.
- c.Carefully return the seared beef roulade to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roll.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. Turn the roulade once halfway through cooking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Gently remove the roulade from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
- c.While it rests, stir the remaining 1 tsp of garam masala and the crushed kasuri methi into the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- d.Carefully remove and discard the butcher's twine from the roulade. Slice it into 4 thick, even pieces.
- e.Serve the beef roulade slices hot, generously ladled with the rich gravy. Garnish with extra coriander leaves if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pounding the beef to an even thickness is crucial for it to cook evenly and become tender.
- 2Don't overstuff the roulade, as the filling can spill out during cooking.
- 3A deep sear on the beef roll is essential for developing a rich, savory flavor in the final gravy.
- 4Low and slow simmering is the secret to incredibly tender beef. Do not rush this step.
- 5Let the roulade rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
- 6This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen overnight.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Add 1/4 cup of crushed walnuts or cashews to the filling for extra texture and richness.
MeatMeat
This recipe can be adapted for pounded chicken breasts (reduce simmer time to 30-40 minutes) or a butterflied leg of lamb (increase simmer time to 2-2.5 hours).
GravyGravy
For a creamier gravy, stir in 1/4 cup of full-fat yogurt or coconut cream at the very end of cooking, after turning off the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The use of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger lends natural anti-inflammatory properties to the dish, which can help support a healthy immune response.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Beef Roulade contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef and the amount of oil used. This is an estimate and can vary.
