Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook silverside beef? Look no further than your trusty pressure cooker!
This versatile kitchen appliance can help you create a perfectly tender and flavorful meal in no time. Whether you prefer a classic corned beef and cabbage recipe or something with a little more spice, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking silverside beef in a pressure cooker and share some mouth-watering recipes to try at home. So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Silverside Beef In A Pressure Cooker?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over the basic steps for cooking silverside beef in a pressure cooker.
First, rinse the beef to remove any excess salt or gel. Then, place it on a rack in your pressure cooker and add your preferred seasonings and aromatics. Pour in enough liquid (water, broth, or vinegar) to cover or almost cover the beef.
Next, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for the recommended time (depending on the recipe). After cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure or use the quick release method according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
Finally, remove the beef from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Now that you know the basic steps, let’s explore some delicious recipes for cooking silverside beef in a pressure cooker.
What Is Silverside Beef?
Silverside beef is a popular cut of meat that comes from the hindquarter of cattle, specifically from between the rump and the leg. It is a large, lean, and boneless cut of meat with a wide-grained texture and a sliver of marbled fat. The name “silverside” comes from the shiny silvery membrane covering its internal surface, which has to be removed before cooking as it is too tough to eat.
Silverside beef is commonly used for roasting joints, braising steaks, or dice. It is also often prepared as a 2nd class roasting joint or thinly sliced for minute steak or beef olives. In South Africa, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, silverside is the cut of choice for corning or brining, so much so that the name “silverside” is often used to refer to corned beef (also called salt beef) rather than any other form of the cut.
To achieve tenderness when cooking silverside beef, it requires longer cooking times than other cuts of meat. However, when cooked correctly, it can be a delicious and flavorful addition to any meal. Using a pressure cooker is an excellent way to cook silverside beef as it helps to tenderize the meat while retaining its natural flavors and nutrients.
Benefits Of Using A Pressure Cooker
Using a pressure cooker to cook silverside beef has numerous benefits. Firstly, it significantly reduces cooking time by up to 70%. This means that you can have a delicious and tender meal in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Moreover, pressure cookers require less liquid than other cooking methods, which means that the food retains more of its nutrients. When food is boiled or steamed, water-soluble vitamins can leach out of the food and diminish its nutritional value. However, pressure cooking locks in the nutrients and allows the food to retain up to 90% of its water-soluble vitamins.
Another benefit of using a pressure cooker is that it helps food to retain its color and flavor. When food is cooked for long periods of time, especially in large quantities of water, it can lose its natural color and flavor. However, pressure cooking cooks food quickly and evenly, which helps to preserve the natural flavors and colors of the food.
Additionally, using a pressure cooker is energy-efficient, as it uses less energy than traditional cooking methods. This is because the cooking chamber is fully insulated, which means that the cooker does not need to exert as much energy to heat up.
Finally, pressure cookers are versatile appliances that can be used at any altitude. This is because they create a stable atmosphere with their unique design, allowing for constant and precise pressures to be used for cooking. This creates faster and more consistent results, making pressure cookers an excellent choice for cooking silverside beef or any other meal.
How To Prepare Silverside Beef For Pressure Cooking
Preparing silverside beef for pressure cooking is a simple process that can enhance the flavors of your dish. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Begin by removing any excess fat or gristle from the beef. Rinse it under cold water to remove any salt or gel residue.
2. Place the beef on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings and aromatics to stick to the meat.
3. Rub your preferred seasonings onto the meat. You can use a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, or any other spices you prefer. Be sure to rub the seasonings evenly on all sides of the beef.
4. To add more flavor, you can insert whole cloves of garlic or onion slices into the meat using a sharp knife.
5. If you have time, let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
6. When you are ready to cook, place the seasoned beef on a rack in your pressure cooker and add your preferred aromatics such as bay leaves, peppercorns, or thyme sprigs.
7. Pour in enough liquid (water, broth, or vinegar) to cover or almost cover the beef.
8. Seal the lid of your pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for the recommended time (depending on the recipe).
9. After cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure or use the quick release method according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
10. Finally, remove the beef from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these steps, you can prepare silverside beef for pressure cooking that is flavorful and tender.
Basic Silverside Beef Recipe For Pressure Cooker
If you’re new to cooking silverside beef in a pressure cooker, this basic recipe is a great place to start.
Ingredients:
– 2 kg (4 lb) joint of beef silverside
– 1 1/2 – 2Ltr Water (do not exceed max. level in your pressure cooker)
– 1 1/2 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
– 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
– 2 tbsp Sea Salt
– 3 tbsp White Vinegar
– 10-12 Whole Cloves
Instructions:
1. In the OFF position, add water, vinegar, peppercorns, brown sugar, salt, and cloves to the bowl of your pressure cooker and give it a good stir.
2. Add the whole silverside to the bowl – it should be covered or at least close to being covered with the liquid.
3. Lock the pressure cooker lid into place and turn the control to “roast” (30mins).
4. Take a seat for 25 minutes.
5. Do not release pressure but instead turn dial back to “roast” (30mins) and leave to continue cooking – total cooking time is 55 minutes.
6. After cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure or use the quick release method according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
7. Remove the beef from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This basic recipe is simple and easy to follow. You can adjust the seasonings and aromatics to your liking or experiment with different liquids for added flavor. Enjoy your tender and juicy silverside beef!
Flavor Variations For Silverside Beef In Pressure Cooker
Silverside beef is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many different ways. Here are some flavor variations you can try to customize your silverside beef in a pressure cooker:
1. Beer and Mustard: Instead of using water as the cooking liquid, try using a light-colored beer like lager or ale. Add a tablespoon of mustard to the liquid for a tangy flavor.
2. Red Wine and Rosemary: For a more sophisticated flavor, use red wine as the cooking liquid and add fresh rosemary sprigs to the pot. The wine will add depth and complexity to the dish, while the rosemary will infuse it with a fragrant aroma.
3. Garlic and Thyme: If you love garlic, this recipe is for you. Crush a few cloves of garlic and add them to the pot along with fresh thyme sprigs. The garlic will give the beef a robust flavor, while the thyme will add a subtle earthiness.
4. Soy Sauce and Ginger: For an Asian-inspired twist, use soy sauce as the cooking liquid and add fresh ginger slices to the pot. The soy sauce will give the beef a savory umami flavor, while the ginger will add a spicy kick.
5. Tomato and Paprika: If you want something hearty and comforting, try using canned tomatoes as the cooking liquid and adding smoked paprika to the pot. The tomatoes will give the beef a rich, tomatoey flavor, while the paprika will add smokiness and depth.
With these flavor variations, you can turn a simple silverside beef into something extraordinary in your pressure cooker. Experiment with different combinations until you find your favorite!
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Silverside Beef In Pressure Cooker
Cooking silverside beef in a pressure cooker can be a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful meat. Here are some tips to ensure that your silverside beef turns out perfectly cooked every time:
1. Rinse the beef thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess salt or gel. This will prevent the meat from being too salty or slimy.
2. Use a rack in your pressure cooker to elevate the beef above the liquid and aromatics. This will prevent the meat from becoming too mushy or overcooked.
3. Add enough liquid (water, broth, or vinegar) to cover or almost cover the beef. This will ensure that the meat is fully cooked and tender.
4. Use your preferred seasonings and aromatics to add flavor to the beef. You can use the spice packet that comes with the corned beef, or create your own blend of seasonings.
5. Cook on high pressure for the recommended time, depending on the recipe. Be sure to follow your pressure cooker’s instructions for natural release or quick release of pressure.
6. Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked silverside beef in your pressure cooker every time. Experiment with different seasonings and aromatics to create a variety of delicious dishes!