Posted on 07/02/2025 7:40:41 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Ever wondered why exactly a Salisbury steak tastes so different from a hamburger patty, even though they kind of appear to be the same thing? While each of these classic dishes can be delicious in their own right, typically, a hamburger patty is simply a formed patty made of beef. Depending on the cook, a hamburger patty may be seasoned with a little salt and pepper, or might just be a straight-up, unseasoned piece of formed ground beef. Salisbury steak, however, is more than just a bun-less hamburger. Created by Dr. James H. Salisbury at the end of the 19th century, the now-beloved comfort food was designed to support the gut health of Civil War soldiers, many of whom were dying in droves due to digestive illnesses. Salisbury theorized that a diet rich in beef and coffee could lessen the stomach problems soldiers were having in the field. While Dr. Salisbury's theories didn't hold up over time, his namesake steak has remained a staple in the diets of many Americans.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, products sold as Salisbury steak have to contain at least 65% meat, with up to 25% of a Salisbury steak's meat content coming from pork. The remaining ingredients may include bread crumbs, rolled oats, oat flakes, tomato purée, gravy, and more. While a Salisbury steak certainly does contain beef, its typical ingredient profile is closer to a slice of meatloaf than it is to a plain hamburger patty.
How to make your Salisbury steak distinct from hamburger patties
Whether you already have a classic Salisbury steak recipe you know and love or you're considering making the comfort food at home for the first time, you've got options. The dish is highly customizable, and with a little experimenting, you can find the perfect method for creating a Salisbury steak to come back to time and again.
Play around with seasonings in your recipe. Try going beyond the standard brown sugar, salt, and pepper blend by adding cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika (or try smoked paprika to create a different, more savory flavor profile). Binding agents also leave room for customization, as does gravy. While Salisbury steak is traditionally served with mushroom gravy, caffeinated red-eye gravy is a fun twist (and gives a nod to Dr. Salisbury's theory that a coffee-heavy diet was ideal next to Salisbury steak). In the mood for something a bit more indulgent? Dredging your Salisbury steaks in seasoned flour before frying in a pan with a bit of oil can add an unexpected bit of crunch that elevates your recipe. This tip also works super-well if you're working with frozen Salisbury steaks and want to transform them into a hearty family dinner.
Makes me hungry...sounds way better than my olive oil sauteed onions , tomatoes and eggbeater croissant sandwiches I had for dinner.
They are very good. I use San Marzano tomatos with basil for the spread on the buns. Good provolone on top and bottom, and an italian meatloaf piece in the middle.
Lips, tongue, esophagus and the attached fat not to exceed 20% by weight...
ch4…
Bkmk
I make Salisbury steak often. My secret ingredient is French Onion soup. Real good.
All good posts. I will say I’ve never heard of anybody eating a Salisbury steak sammich. There’s no reason one shouldn’t. On ciabatta sliced horizontally. Toasted. Add toppings to personal tastes. Cheddar? Red onion? Avocado? It boggles the imagination.
Not at all nothing like a meat loaf
When I was in grade school, back when California was a red state, Salisbury steak—with “whipped potatoes” (not mashed potatoes—these were run through a blender) was on the menu every week. It was one of my favorite meals, along with white fish, which was served every Friday.
When I was young I worked for a couple actual hack home improvement contractors. We’d meet at the shop in the morning and head out to the job with ab obligatory stop at teh gas station for a Mountain Dew Big Gulp and a pack of Hostess Suzy Q’s. The breakfast of champions.
I’ll 2nd that, best hotdogs.
On par with them, but not as widely available- Zweigles red and white hots, a Western NY favorite.
Reminds me of those Swanson TV dinners I’d get as a kid. Salisbury steak, some potatoes, and desert! Thought it was a treat.
Plus one. I was just going to complain about that statement.
Did Dr. Salisbury make sick people well, or didn’t he?
So did your Mom :) I liked the mini pizzas, like 9 on a aluminum tray my Mom would leave me if they were going out, what a treat.
I lived near Rochester for 24 years, I miss the Zweigles pop open on the grill.
The way I had it growing up it was just a hamburger stewed in the gravy.
My mom certainly did not mix pork into it, honestly seems insane to me that they are allowed to put up to 25% pork into it and still call it salsbury steak.
It does have a different taste than a plane burger, but if you stew anything in gravy for a good period of time its going to taste different.
I can eat it, but haven’t had it since I was a kid... maybe once or twice as a TV dinner when I was in college or strapped.. .but otherwise, haven’t had it since I moved out, and honestly not something I miss.
If served it I would eat it, but never have I found myself hankering for it. Its not bad, but honestly if I had a craving for a comfort food, from my youth, I’d honestly take SOS/Gravy on Toast over salsbury steak.
The way I had it growing up it was just a hamburger stewed in the gravy.
My mom certainly did not mix pork into it, honestly seems insane to me that they are allowed to put up to 25% pork into it and still call it salsbury steak.
It does have a different taste than a plane burger, but if you stew anything in gravy for a good period of time its going to taste different.
I can eat it, but haven’t had it since I was a kid... maybe once or twice as a TV dinner when I was in college or strapped.. .but otherwise, haven’t had it since I moved out, and honestly not something I miss.
If served it I would eat it, but never have I found myself hankering for it. Its not bad, but honestly if I had a craving for a comfort food, from my youth, I’d honestly take SOS/Gravy on Toast over salsbury steak.
Don’t like ground meat never know whats in it Spam with a mask.
“Did Dr. Salisbury make sick people well, or didn’t he?”
Who knows what they had prior.
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