Definition

Noun: 1. A dish of steak braised in a tomato and onion mixture: Swiss steak refers to a method of preparing a tougher cut of beef (like round steak) by braising it slowly in a seasoned sauce, typically made with tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables or broth. The name does not indicate the steak's origin but rather the cooking technique, which may involve tenderizing the meat by pounding or scoring before cooking.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • For dinner, my grandmother made a hearty Swiss steak with carrots and potatoes.
  • The key to a good Swiss steak is cooking it low and slow until the meat is fork-tender.
  • This recipe for Swiss steak calls for a can of diced tomatoes and a sliced onion.

Advanced Usage

• As a menu item or recipe category: The term is commonly used on restaurant menus and in cookbooks to describe this specific, comforting dish.
  • The diner's special today is Swiss steak with mashed potatoes.

Variants and Related Words

• Braised steak: A more generic term for steak cooked using the braising method.
• Salisbury steak: A different dish made from ground beef formed into a patty, often served with gravy. It is not the same as Swiss steak.
• Smothered steak: A similar dish where steak is cooked ("smothered") in a gravy or sauce, often onion-based.

Synonyms

• Braised beef steak
• Steak braised in tomato sauce

Notes on Meaning

• Culinary technique vs. origin: It is important to note that "Swiss" in "Swiss steak" does not mean the dish comes from Switzerland. The name's origin is unclear but is believed to refer to the process of "swissing," which was a method of tenderizing fabric or, by analogy, meat. The primary meaning is tied entirely to the specific cooking method and ingredients described.

Noun

1. steak braised in tomato and onion mixture