Pull Out All the Stops With This Traditional Italian Braciole (2024)

Braciole is an Italian-style roulade, a rolled and stuffed meat. It is also called involtini, or bruciuluni in Sicilian. The etymology of the word translates to slice of meat rolled over coals. The meat — typically beef, veal, or pork — is pounded thin and stuffed with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. It can be grilled, pan-fried, or braised in sauce. Since this dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, you’ll find braciole at family dinners throughout the Italian diaspora, and on television shows like The Bear, which inspired this version.

How to cook braciole

This recipe takes a bit of time to make, but the results are satisfying and well worth it. This braciole is a perfect dish for a weekend project, Sunday dinner, or when you’re looking to make an impressive dish for guests. Start by making a delicious, bright, and balanced tomato sauce with canned San Marzano tomatoes, a whole onion, and thyme. We suggest deepening the savory flavor of the sauce with the addition of a Parmesan rind. The sauce can be made in advance to help save time.

To make the braciole, you’ll need flank steak that has been butterflied and pounded until it is 1/4-inch thick for the base of the braciole. First, layer the steak with prosciutto, then top it with the toasted panko (toasting the breadcrumbs first means they will absorb the flavor of the roll and sauce). You’ll keep building layers and flavor with pine nuts, a generous amount of minced garlic, fresh parsley, and two types of cheese. It’s important to roll the meat against the grain for the most tender slices after it cooks. Secure the roll with twine or toothpicks.

Sear the roll in a braiser or Dutch oven until browned all over, then braise it in the tomato sauce until fork-tender. Slice the roll into medallions to reveal the beautifully layered center. It’s an impressive dish to serve at a gathering. Save any leftovers and eat them in a sandwich.

Pull Out All the Stops With This Traditional Italian Braciole (2024)

FAQs

What does braciole mean in Italian? ›

Braciole is an Italian-style roulade, a rolled and stuffed meat. It's also called involtini, or bruciuluni in Sicilian. The etymology of the word translates to a slice of meat rolled over coals. The meat — typically beef, veal, or pork — is pounded thin and stuffed with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

What cut of meat is best for braciole? ›

My preferred method of making beef braciole is to make it with flank steak. Flank steak is one of my favorite meats to braise because it will be extremely tender. You can make one huge roll or cut it into thin slices like I do to make a couple of little rolls.

Where did braciole originate? ›

What is the national dish of Italy? ›

Answer and Explanation: The national food of Italy is a pasta dish that is called Ragu alla Bolognese, which is a Bolognese sauce of meat and tomatoes with tagliatelle pasta. The dish is also sometimes just called Bolognese, because the sauce has become so popular that it is often identified as the meal itself.

Why is my braciole tough? ›

Further, if you haven't pounded the meat thin enough, it can still be tough after cooking, so make sure to pound it to an even, thin slice. Lastly, the cooking time matters, as if you cook it too short it can be tough, so make sure to cook it slow and prolonged to get a more tender result.

What is the number one meat in Italy? ›

Pork is the most common cured meat in Italy, although other meats such as beef, venison and wild boar are also cured. Each region of Italy is known for its own cured meats, known as salumi, based on local customs. Spice plays an important role in the curing of Italian Meats.

What is a braciole slang? ›

braciole (n.) —1. a piece of Italian beef pan fried in its own juices. 2. a euphemism for male genitalia.

What is the difference between braciole and braciola? ›

In Italy, "braciole" often refers to simple grilled slices of meat, usually pork. This is because "braciola" can be a term for any piece of meat cooked over embers or "braci." These are typically smaller pieces of meat, simply seasoned, grilled, and enjoyed right off the fire.

What is Italian meat on a stick called? ›

Originally known as rustell', rustelle or arrustelle, arrosticini are made of cubes of meat, about one centimetre thick on each side, that are threaded onto a wooden skewer, called li cippe or li cippitill, up to 20 centimetres long.

What do you call Italian raw thin slices of meat? ›

Carpaccio is an Italian appetizer of thinly sliced raw meat drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil. It's traditionally made with beef, but can be made with fish (specifically salmon or tuna), veal, or venison.

What is Italian cured beef called? ›

Bresaola or Cured Beef: this cured meat –deriving from the leg of beef– is strictly dry-processed with spices. Rich in protein and low in fat, it is ideal for those on a diet. Capocollo Ham: this pork cold cut is prepared using the pork's neck muscles and its preparation is similar to that of dry-cured ham.

How do you say cured meat in Italian? ›

The umbrella term “salumi” includes all Italian cured meat and can be broken into 3 sub-categories: salumi, salami, and salsicca. True salumi (as opposed to the more general use of the term) are cured meats made from a whole cut of an animal, usually a shoulder or thigh.

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