Beefsteak tomatoes, also known as beef tomatoes are a lovely, firm type of tomatoes that are great to cook, bake or eat as they are. With less moisture than other types of tomatoes and being one of the largest types of tomatoes, this variety is a good substitute for meat products or as a vessel for loads of flavours.
Beefsteak tomato has a unique flavour and can be prepared in many ways and used as a meat substitute, celebrating the best of tomatoes.
What are Beefsteak tomatoes?
Beefsteak tomato or Beef tomato is one of the largest varieties of cultivated tomatoes in the world. Even though they are popular among growers, they are typically not grown for the commercial market due to the smaller tomato varieties being more in demand and more profitable for the larger growers. Over time the popularity of beef tomatoes has steadily risen since it is a great substitute for meat products. Beef tomatoes vary in colour from green and pink to orange and red. A fully grown large beefsteak tomato can way more than 500 grams and are filled with numerous small seed compartments throughout the whole fruit.
What do Beefsteak tomatoes taste like?
Beefsteak tomato has a unique tangy but subtle tomato flavour. It is still similar to the smaller tomato varieties, but with a firmer consistency and with less moisture. This makes Beef tomatoes suitable for marinating because they can absorb moisture from the marinade and holds their shape. When cooked the beef tomatoes still keep a semi-firm consistency and become sweeter and stronger in flavour.
For what dishes do you use Beefsteak tomatoes?
Beefsteak tomatoes could be eaten as they are but are often used in cooking and barbeques. The texture of the tomato makes it more stake-like, hence its name and can be used as a substitute for stakes and burgers. It is also commonly used in stews and one-pot cooking where the texture of tomatoes needs to be kept as much as possible. The tomatoes keep their semi-firm texture even when cut into pieces and cooked, which makes them great in curries, stews and stir-frys. The possibility of use is endless and pretty much only limited by our imagination.
How do you cook Beefsteak tomatoes?
Beefsteak tomatoes can be used in many different dishes and cooked in many different ways. Normally the tomatoes are cooked with their skin on, to help them hold their shape. Either whole or as halves in the oven, Cut into cubes and used in stir-fries and stews or sliced thickly and either fried or grilled as a stake or as a burger. Flavours can be added directly into the frying pan while cooking or after the tomatoes are cooked or by marinating them before frying och grilling.
Beef stake bruschetta
A simple Italian antipasto that celebrates the pure flavours of fresh tomatoes. Super easy to make by cutting up the beef tomato into bite-size cubes and mixing them with olive oil, basil, garlic, mozzarella salt and pepper. Served on toasted baguette slices and decorated with basil leaves.
Different dishes made with Beefsteak tomatoes
There are many types of dishes that use Beef tomatoes. Either as a main dish, side dish, starter, condiment or as a meat replacement. It can also be made into jam and tomato sauce. Some interesting or common dishes are:
Chunky tomato sauces
Beef tomatoes make great chunky tomato sauces. Great for pasta och egg dishes both as cold and hot sauces. Poached eggs in tomato sauce or served with pasta are a lovely option for how to use beef tomatoes in other ways and whole or diced. You can also mix beef tomatoes with other types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes for a greater flavour variation to the sauce.
Tomato pie
Beef tomatoes are great to use in pies, due to the low moisture content and flavour profile. Perfect for Mediterranian-flavoured pies with feta cheeses, mozzarella, oregano and olives.
Beef tomatoes confit
The beef tomatoes are added to olive oil and placed in the oven on low heat for hours to roast in the oil. This makes flavourful oil and soft sweet tomato cubes that could be used in pasta dishes, as a sandwich spread or as a condiment.
Tomato steak
As the name implies, these tomatoes make a great vegetarian stake that could be served with a salad and potato fries. Or any other preferred option such as mashed potatoes and caramelised carrots. The beef tomatoes are cut into thick slices or either marinated or seasoned while frying.
Tomato burgers
Grilled beef tomatoes with a barbequed spiced dry rub or placed in a marinade overnight are a great option as a vegetarian burger. Eaten in a hamburger bun with salad, crispy onions and cucumber served with barbeque vegetables and potato fries.
Tomato stir-fry
Beefsteak tomatoes cut into chunks and used in stir-fry whit vegetables and rice are a lovely way to make a quick meal out of these tomatoes. Seasoned with soy sauce and hot sauce for an extra punch.
Caprese Salad
Beef tomatoes can be used in different salads and eaten as they are with a pinch of salt. A great salad option is Italian Caprese salad. The firm tomato in combination with soft mozzarella gives the dish another dimension of flavours and textures.
Stuffed tomatoes
Beef tomatoes that are cut in halved and backed in the oven, stuffed with spices, herbs and rise. Often topped with shredded cheeses are a great way to make the tomatoes the star of the dish and served with a simple salad.
Is Beefsteak tomatoes a good meat substitute?
Beefsteak tomatoes are great as a meat substitute as they keep their firm texture even after being cooked. Whit various marinades and dry rubs, you can season your Beefsteak tomatoes to your preferences and be suitable for the same type of dishes you normally serve meat. When the tomatoes are cooked they are extremely juicy but firm, which gives the feel of a juicy steak or burger. It's also great as chunks in one-pots or stews to give an extra texture to vegetarian dishes.
