Lemon Beef
Lemon Beef offers tender, flavorful meat infused with citrusy brightness, perfect for a hearty meal with rice or mushrooms. The slow simmering ensures rich gravy and succulent slices, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions that call for comforting, tangy beef dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pan and sauté the beef until it becomes light brown on all sides.
- Add salt, pepper, carrots, celery, parsley, water or beef sauce, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours.
- Allow the meat to cool, then cut into pieces.
- Return the meat pieces to the pan and warm for a while.
- Pour the gravy through a colander to strain.
- Make the gravy thicker by adding 2 teaspoons of flour and stirring well.
- Serve the meat with rice or sautéed mushrooms.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the beef overnight in lemon juice, salt, and pepper before cooking. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs can be a great substitute. You can also replace the carrots with parsnips for a sweeter taste. To reduce cooking time, cut the beef into smaller chunks. Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, similar to flavors found in Belgia Beer Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lemon beef over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meal. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dish. This recipe also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or as part of a beef recipes buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef and gravy in a saucepan over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. You can also add a splash of water or broth while reheating to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Beef contains roughly 190 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 460mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you're out of lemon juice, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. They will provide a nice acidity to the dish. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives can be more potent than lemon juice.
How do I know when the beef is done cooking?
The beef is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness. Cooking for 2 hours should achieve this, but check occasionally to ensure it isn’t overcooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).