Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of British cuisine - a mouthwatering roast beef so tender it practically melts in your mouth, paired with the most gloriously puffy Yorkshire pudding you've ever tasted. This isn't just a meal; it's a gastronomic experience that has been delighting families for generations. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or craving a classic Sunday roast, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a quintessential British dining room, filling the air with irresistible aromas and promises of pure culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef roast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup beef drippings
Instructions
- Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the roast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the beef in a large roasting pan with a rack, fat side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.
- Roast the beef in the preheated oven. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C), approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- While the beef is roasting, prepare the Yorkshire pudding batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid.
- Once the beef reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Pour beef drippings into a 9x13 inch baking dish or individual popover pans.
- Place the baking dish with drippings in the hot oven for 5 minutes until the fat is smoking hot.
- Carefully remove the hot pan and quickly pour the Yorkshire pudding batter into the sizzling drippings.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pudding is puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during cooking.
- Slice the rested beef against the grain into thin slices.
- Serve the roast beef immediately with the crispy Yorkshire pudding, accompanied by roasted vegetables and gravy if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your beef come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the Meat Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the beef, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial for achieving your desired level of doneness without guesswork.
- Batter Resting is Crucial: Let your Yorkshire pudding batter rest for at least 30 minutes to develop the right texture.
- Hot Fat is Essential: Ensure your baking pan and drippings are smoking hot before adding the batter for that signature crispy rise.
- No Peeking: Resist opening the oven door while the Yorkshire pudding is baking to maintain the perfect puff.
- Slice Against the Grain: When serving the beef, always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Rest Your Meat: Allow the roast beef to rest after cooking to retain its juices and ensure a succulent result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
