Hakkebøf med Bløde Løg
Hakkebøf med Bløde Løg, translating to 'chopped beef with soft onions,' is a classic Danish comfort food. It features pan-fried, seasoned beef patties served with deeply caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth onions, often accompanied by boiled potatoes and a rich brown gravy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Ground beef(7-10% fat content recommended)
- 2 Large yellow onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Butter(divided)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cup Beef stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Boiled potatoes
- dash Brown food coloring(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Caramelize the onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for at least 30-40 minutes until soft and golden brown. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 2
Prepare the beef patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape them into thick, flat patties. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Do not overwork the meat; shape gently. - 3
Cook the patties: In the same skillet (or a separate one), melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the beef patties and fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until well browned and cooked through. Remove patties from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
⏱️ 10-14 minutes - 4
Make the gravy: In the same skillet used for the patties, melt the remaining butter if needed. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef stock until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Add a dash of brown food coloring if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 5
Serve: Place the beef patties on plates, top with a generous portion of caramelized onions, and spoon the gravy over them. Serve immediately with boiled potatoes.
💡 Tip: Garnish with pickled beet slices or gherkins for an extra tang.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor, use beef with a good fat content.
- ✓Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to their sweetness and texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the patties to ensure a good sear.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with a side of Danish red cabbage (rødkål) or cucumber salad (agurksalat).
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely grated raw onion in the beef mixture for added flavor.