Introduction
Maryland Pit Beef is a Baltimore classic, known for its smoky, charred exterior and juicy, tender interior. Traditionally served thinly sliced on a Kaiser roll with tangy tiger sauce, this dish is a must-try for beef lovers. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve the perfect steakhouse-quality sear on the center grill grate at 1,000°F before bringing the beef to the ideal doneness on the flat griddle cooktop. The result? A perfectly juicy and flavorful Pit Beef that’s second to none!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef top round roast
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 Kaiser rolls
- 1/2 cup prepared horseradish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches optimal temperature.
Step 2: Season the Beef
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the beef top round roast.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
- Place the roast on the center grill grate of the Arteflame grill.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until a dark crust forms.
Step 4: Reverse Sear on Flat Cooktop
- Move the seared beef to the flat cooktop griddle.
- Cook, flipping occasionally, until an internal temperature of 120°F (for medium-rare) is reached.
- Remove the beef from the grill when 15°F below the desired final temperature.
- Let the beef rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Prepare the Tiger Sauce
- In a bowl, mix horseradish, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Thinly slice the rested beef against the grain.
- Toast the Kaiser rolls lightly on the flat cooktop.
- Spread tiger sauce on both sides of the rolls.
- Layer the sliced beef onto the rolls and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, let the beef marinate in the spice rub overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Slicing against the grain ensures tenderness.
Variations
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Spicy Pit Beef: Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne and chop fresh jalapeños into the tiger sauce.
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Smoky BBQ Pit Beef: Brush the beef with a smoky BBQ sauce before serving.
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Garlic Herb Pit Beef: Mix minced garlic and fresh herbs into the spice rub.
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Cheese Melt Pit Beef: Add melted provolone or cheddar to the sandwich.
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Sweet & Tangy Pit Beef: Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the beef for a unique twist.
Best Pairings
- Coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Pickles
- French fries
- Cold beer or lemonade
Conclusion
Maryland Pit Beef is a true Baltimore classic, and cooking it on the Arteflame grill ensures the perfect combination of a bold, smoky crust and juicy interior. Whether you're making it for a backyard barbecue or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to impress!