Salisbury steak, a familiar presence on school cafeteria lunch menus, evokes memories of childhood for many. While not my personal favorite, the experience of indulging in a nostalgic Salisbury steak dinner from Aldi filled me with warm sentiment.
Key Takeaways
Origins of Salisbury Steak
Dating back to the American Civil War, physician James Henry Salisbury championed the idea that soldiers required protein to maintain their health. He determined that chopped beef formed into patties would be easier for them to digest. This was the inception of Salisbury steak, now an enduring classic. Nowadays, Salisbury steak can be made from various meats, with a minimum of 65% meat content. Pork can make up to 25% of the mixture, while extenders like bread crumbs, flour, or oat flakes cannot exceed 12% of the product volume. Soy proteins should be limited to 6.8% or less. Such revelations shed light on the peculiar nature of this meaty concoction that perplexed me during my school cafeteria days.
Aldi’s Take on Salisbury Steak
Aldi offers its own rendition of Salisbury steak with the Bremer Everyday Gravy & Salisbury Steaks. These frozen delights retail at $2.19 for a 28-ounce package and are always available in the freezer section. Each box includes six servings. The label boasts that these steaks are flame-broiled and made with a combination of chicken, pork, and beef. The ingredients list also reveals the addition of mechanically separated chicken, pork, beef, and soy protein concentrate.
One serving (consisting of one patty with 1/3 cup of gravy) provides 160 calories, 11 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 30 mg of cholesterol, 690 mg of sodium, 8 grams of total carbohydrates, and 0 grams of sugars. It’s important to note that the steaks contain soy, wheat, and milk.
Cooking Instructions
To savor these Salisbury steaks, it is recommended to keep them frozen until ready to use. There are two methods of preparation: conventional oven or microwave.
For oven-baking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the heat-safe tray from the carton and take off the film from the tray. Place the tray on a cooking sheet in the center of the oven. Cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until fully cooked. After removing the sheet from the oven, let it stand for 2 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. This can be measured using a food thermometer in several spots.
Alternatively, for microwave cooking, remove the heat-safe tray from the carton and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Peel back one corner of the film to vent. Microwave on high power for 10 minutes. Carefully peel back the film and separate any frozen portions. Spoon gravy over the patties, replace the film, and rotate the tray 1/2 turn. Microwave on high for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let it stand for 2 minutes and remove the microwave-safe plate using oven mitts. Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
My Personal Experience
I chose to bake the Salisbury steaks in the oven, and they reached the appropriate temperature in approximately 45 minutes. To complement the dish, I prepared a side of instant mashed potatoes, perfect for savoring the delectable gravy.
To my delight, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed this meal, with my kids even requesting seconds. The nostalgia it evoked for me was precious, and it delivered a comforting gastronomic experience. Moreover, the affordability was unbeatable. Together with the packet of mashed potatoes (purchased for a mere 69 cents from Aldi), feeding four people cost less than $3. We even had some steak left over as the box contains six servings. I would advocate for adding some vegetables to the meal, such as steamed broccoli or a refreshing salad on the side.
The Verdict
Aldi’s Regular Buy Bremer Everyday Gravy & Salisbury Steaks offers an affordable and familiar taste of comfort food. If you grew up dining in school cafeterias, this meal may even transport you back to your childhood days. While it is a processed dish with a notable amount of sodium and fat, it retains that distinct “mystery meat” flavor. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent choice for a quick and budget-friendly dinner.
For more information about the Bremer Everyday Gravy & Salisbury Steaks, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
