Swedish Beef Rydberg

Swedish Beef Rydberg, or Biff Rydberg as it is known in its native language, is a luxurious and indulgent dish that epitomizes the elegance of Scandinavian cuisine. This classic Swedish meal, named after the renowned Rydberg Hotel in Stockholm where it was first popularized, is a sophisticated take on the traditional hash, blending simplicity with gourmet flair.

A Historical Touchstone

Biff Rydberg has its roots in the late 19th century, during a time when Sweden was experiencing a cultural and culinary renaissance. The dish was crafted to cater to the refined palates of the hotel’s affluent guests, combining high-quality ingredients with meticulous preparation. Over time, it has transcended its origins to become a beloved staple in Swedish households and upscale restaurants alike.

Ingredients and Preparation

The essence of Beef Rydberg lies in its straightforward yet meticulous use of prime ingredients. The dish typically features tender, well-marbled beef, often cut from the tenderloin or sirloin, which is seared to perfection. Accompanying the beef are golden-brown cubes of fried potatoes and sautéed onions, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavours. If you are looking for an alternative to potatoes, try using swede. The magic of Biff Rydberg comes from the care taken in cooking each component separately to ensure optimal flavour and texture before combining them in a final, delectable assembly.

A Symphony of Flavours

What sets Beef Rydberg apart is the interplay of its components. The rich, succulent beef provides a hearty base, while the crispy potatoes add a satisfying crunch. The onions, caramelized to a sweet perfection, weave through the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Traditionally, Biff Rydberg is served with a creamy mustard sauce, often incorporating a hint of horseradish. This adds a sharp, tangy contrast that elevates the entire meal.

Serving Suggestions

Biff Rydberg is more than just a dish; it is an experience. It is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by a raw egg yolk on top. The yolk is meant to be mixed in with the hot ingredients, creating a rich, velvety sauce that binds everything. This unique presentation not only adds to the visual appeal but enriches the flavour, making each bite a luxurious treat.

A glass of full-bodied red wine or a robust ale pairs wonderfully with Biff Rydberg, complementing the dish’s rich flavours. For a traditional touch, serving it with a side of pickled beets or a light green salad can add a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the main components.

Modern Interpretations

While the classic version of Beef Rydberg remains beloved, contemporary chefs have put their own spin on this traditional dish. Variations may include the use of different cuts of meat, alternative root vegetables, or even incorporating additional herbs and spices to add new layers of complexity. Despite these modern twists, the heart of Biff Rydberg—its celebration of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation—remains unchanged.

Accordingly, Swedish Beef Rydberg is a testament to the elegance of Scandinavian cuisine. It offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether enjoyed in a high-end restaurant or prepared at home for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavours and timeless appeal.

Swedish Beef Rydberg

Gorgeous tasty dish full of flavour that's easy to cook and there's never any leftovers.

4.86 from 81 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Swedish

Keyword: Beef, Dairy, Eggs, Fry, Swedish Beef Rydberg, Vegetables

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 1017kcal

Equipment

• 1 Frying Pan
• 1 Oven Proof Serving Dish

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 900 g beef tenderloin See Note 1
• 680 g potatoes See Note 1
• 2 large onions peel/finely chop
• 42 g unsalted butter See Note 2
• 3 tbsp olive oil See Note 2
• 4 large eggs free range
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 110C/225F.
• Add 1/3rd of the butter and 1/3 of the olive oil to a large frying pan and place over a medium high heat. When the butter has melted, add the diced potatoes and fry until they have turned golden brown and softened. Taste and season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
  680 g potatoes, 42 g unsalted butter, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, ground black pepper
• Transfer the potatoes to a Pyrex (oven proof) dish and place in the oven to keep warm.
• Add the next 1/3 of the unsalted butter and 1/3 of the olive oil to the pan and when hot, add the diced onion and season with salt and ground black pepper.
  2 large onions, 42 g unsalted butter, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, ground black pepper
• Fry the onion until it turns golden brown and has also softened. Transfer to the same Pyrex dish as the potatoes and pop back into the oven to keep warm.
• Add the last of the unsalted butter and olive oil to the frying pan and turn up the heat to high. When the butter has melted, add the diced beef and season with salt and ground black pepper. Fry the beef until it is browned on all sides yet has a hint of pink still inside.
  900 g beef tenderloin, 42 g unsalted butter, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, ground black pepper
• Remove the Pyrex dish from the oven and add the beef and serve either with a raw egg or a poached egg. Sprinkle chopped parsley over as you serve and enjoy.
  4 large eggs

Notes

Note 1: The beef and the potatoes should ideally be diced/chopped to the same size to give the dish symmetry. 

Note 2: The unsalted butter and olive oil are shown as 42g and 3 tbsps. in the recipe respectively. These ingredients are however divided into 3 equal amount of 14g and 1 tbsp for each of the three stages of the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 1017kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 73g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 366mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 1581mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 537IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 8mg