Beef on Weck Recipe

Roast beef: Thinly sliced and preferably cooked to medium-rare for the best texture and flavor.

Kummelweck rolls: A type of Kaiser roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt, essential for the authentic taste.

Beef au jus: A flavorful beef broth used for dipping the rolls and adding moisture to the sandwich.

Horseradish: Adds a spicy kick to the sandwich, balancing the richness of the beef.

To enhance the flavor of your roast beef, consider searing it briefly in a hot pan before warming it in the oven. This will create a delicious crust and lock in the juices. Additionally, make sure your kummelweck rolls are fresh and slightly toasted for an added crunch. When spreading the horseradish, use a generous amount to balance the richness of the beef with a bit of heat. Finally, don't just dip the top half of the roll in the beef au jus; lightly brush some on the bottom half as well to ensure every bite is flavorful and moist.

• thinly sliced roast beef - Substitute with thinly sliced turkey breast: Turkey breast provides a similar texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of roast beef.

• thinly sliced roast beef - Substitute with thinly sliced pork loin: Pork loin is another lean meat that can be roasted and sliced thinly, offering a comparable mouthfeel and taste.

• kummelweck rolls - Substitute with kaiser rolls: Kaiser rolls have a similar texture and can be topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt to replicate the traditional kummelweck roll.

• kummelweck rolls - Substitute with pretzel rolls: Pretzel rolls have a unique texture and flavor that can complement the sandwich, providing a slightly different but enjoyable twist.

• beef au jus - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be seasoned with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, savory flavor similar to beef au jus.

• beef au jus - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be enhanced with beef bouillon or seasoning to mimic the depth of flavor found in beef au jus.

• horseradish - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi provides a similar spicy kick and can be used in smaller amounts to achieve the desired heat.

• horseradish - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that can serve as a milder alternative to horseradish.

• Allow the roast beef to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Wrap each kummelweck roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
• Store the beef au jus in a separate airtight container. This ensures that it retains its flavor and doesn't mix with other ingredients.
• Keep the horseradish in its original container or transfer it to a small airtight jar. This will help maintain its pungency and freshness.
• If you plan to consume the beef on weck within a few days, store all components in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap the roast beef tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped roast beef in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• Freeze the kummelweck rolls separately. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe bag.
• Store the beef au jus in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label it with the date.
• When ready to use, thaw the roast beef, kummelweck rolls, and beef au jus in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the roast beef in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Warm the beef au jus in a saucepan over medium heat until hot.
• Assemble the beef on weck as per the original recipe, ensuring each component is fresh and flavorful.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the beef on weck sandwiches in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the beef on weck on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• If you prefer a crispy roll, separate the roast beef from the kummelweck rolls. Heat the roast beef in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of beef au jus until warm. Toast the rolls in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes until they are crispy. Reassemble the sandwich and enjoy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of beef au jus to the pan and warm the roast beef slices until heated through. Toast the kummelweck rolls in the same skillet or in a toaster. Reassemble the sandwich with the warmed beef and rolls.

• If you have a steamer, you can use it to reheat the beef on weck. Place the sandwiches in the steamer basket and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the roast beef tender.

• Oven: Used to preheat and warm the roast beef to the desired temperature.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the roast beef slices in the oven for warming.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the kummelweck rolls in half.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the rolls.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the warm roast beef slices without burning your fingers.

• Small bowl: Used to hold the beef au jus for dipping the rolls.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading the horseradish on the top half of each roll.

• Serving plate: For assembling and serving the final beef on weck sandwiches.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat the oven while you prepare the other ingredients to save time.

Use deli roast beef: Purchase pre-sliced roast beef from the deli to skip the slicing step.

Warm rolls together: Warm the kummelweck rolls in the oven alongside the roast beef to streamline the process.

Pre-mix horseradish: Mix the horseradish with a bit of mayonnaise ahead of time for a smoother spread.

Assemble quickly: Lay out all ingredients and tools before starting to ensure a quick assembly line process.