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Authentic Baltimore Pit Beef Recipe

Authentic Baltimore Pit Beef Recipe

Experience the iconic taste of Baltimore with this Pit Beef recipe! Tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, it's a sandwich sensation.

Baltimore Pit Beef: A Culinary Icon

Pit beef is a Baltimore culinary tradition, a simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation of beef cooked over charcoal. Unlike barbecue, pit beef is cooked quickly to medium-rare and thinly sliced, then piled high on a roll and typically topped with horseradish sauce. Its roots trace back to the working-class neighborhoods of Baltimore, where it was a popular and affordable meal. This recipe aims to capture the authentic taste and experience of Baltimore pit beef.

The Art of the Pit: Cooking Techniques

The key to great pit beef is the quality of the beef and the proper cooking technique. A lean cut, such as top round or eye of round, is essential. Cooking over a hot charcoal fire allows the outside to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile. The horseradish sauce provides a necessary kick that complements the smoky beef.

Choosing the Right Beef

Top round or eye of round are the most commonly used cuts for pit beef. These cuts are lean and relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for this preparation. Look for a well-trimmed roast with good marbling. Marbling will help to keep the beef moist during cooking.

The Importance of the Charcoal Fire

A hot charcoal fire is essential for creating the signature crust on pit beef. Use a chimney starter to get the charcoal burning evenly. Once the coals are hot, spread them out in a single layer on one side of the grill. This will allow you to cook the beef using indirect heat if necessary.

Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
25m
Servings
6
Difficulty
Medium
Course
dinner
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Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb Top Round Roast or Eye of Round Roast
  • 2 tbsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 6 Kaiser Rolls
  • Prepared Horseradish Sauce, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Trim any excess fat from the roast. Pat the roast dry with paper towels.

  2. 2.

    In a small bowl, combine black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well.

  3. 3.

    Generously rub the spice mixture all over the roast, ensuring it's evenly coated.

  4. 4.

    Prepare a charcoal grill with a hot fire. You want the coals to be glowing and ashed over. Alternatively, you can use a gas grill on high heat.

  5. 5.

    Place the roast directly over the hot coals. Sear on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, creating a nice crust.

  6. 6.

    Move the roast to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) if needed to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (medium-rare), about 15-20 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the roast.

  7. 7.

    Remove the roast from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

  8. 8.

    Using a very sharp knife or a meat slicer, thinly slice the beef against the grain.

  9. 9.

    Pile the sliced beef onto kaiser rolls and top with horseradish sauce to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories
450
Protein
45g
Carbs
30g
Fat
15g

Equipment

  • Charcoal Grill (or gas grill)
  • Chimney Starter (for charcoal)
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Sharp Knife or Meat Slicer
  • Cutting Board

Tips

  • For a smokier flavor, add wood chips (such as hickory or oak) to the charcoal.
  • Don't overcook the beef! Pit beef is best served medium-rare.
  • Use a meat slicer for the thinnest and most even slices.
  • Adjust the amount of horseradish sauce to your liking.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or potato salad.

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