Have you ever been to a restaurant and seen Salisbury steak and hamburger steak on the menu? If so, you may wonder what the difference between these two dishes is.
The main difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger steak is their ingredients; Salisbury steaks contain fillers like breadcrumbs, while hamburgers contain only ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Additionally, they differ in terms of texture, taste, cost, best cooking methods, and typical dishes served alongside them.
Let’s take a closer look at these two steaks to see what makes them unique.
About Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak is not technically a steak at all. Salisbury steak is made from ground beef (or sometimes minced pork) combined with fillers like breadcrumbs, sauces, onions, and an egg, mixed with seasonings and formed into patties.
This type of steak is usually seasoned generously with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings.
Unlike cube steak, Salisbury steaks do not require additional tenderizing before cooking; however, they must be simmered to ensure that the patties remain juicy and flavorful.
Once cooked thoroughly, Salisbury steaks have a rich flavor and are usually served with gravy or mushroom sauce.
Dr. James Henry Salisbury invented Salisbury steaks in the late 1800s as part of his theories about combining food for good health.
About Hamburger Steak
Hamburger steak is made from ground beef, salt, and pepper. Unlike Salisbury steak, it does not contain any added fillers or sauces.
The hamburger steak comes from Hamburg, Germany. The people of Hamburg developed a dish of minced meat that was molded into the shape of a steak and then grilled and served with gravy, which became known as Hamburg steak.
It was made famous worldwide by migrating Germans and became a popular dish around the beginning of the 19th century. It’s comparable to Salisbury steak.
Hamburger steaks are usually grilled or pan-fried in a skillet with oil or butter, allowing them to develop a nice browned crust.
The Difference between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak
Type of Meat
Salisbury steak is made from ground beef combined with fillers like breadcrumbs, sauces, onions, and an egg. This mixture is then formed into patties and cooked in a pan or skillet. The result is a juicy patty with a unique flavor due to the added ingredients.
On the other hand, hamburger steak consists of only ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s usually served with gravy or sauce on top for added flavor.
Cut of Meat
In terms of the cut of meat, both can be made from a variety of cuts.
Salisbury steak is typically made with a leaner cut of beef, whereas hamburger steak can be made with a mixture of lean and fatty beef.
However, Salisbury steak can be high in saturated fat and Sodium due to the fillers, while hamburger steak contains no fillers.
Texture
The texture of each dish also differs slightly; Salisbury steak is usually denser and more uniform because of the added ingredients.
On the other hand, hamburger steak has a more loosely packed texture and can be a bit crumbly.
Taste
Taste-wise, Salisbury steaks are more flavorful due to their additional ingredients, while hamburger steaks have a more traditional beefy flavor.
Cost
Regarding cost, both dishes can be relatively affordable. But hamburger steaks tend to be cheaper than Salisbury steaks since they require fewer ingredients.
It also depends on where you buy your meat and what cut you choose.
Best Cooking Methods
Regarding cooking methods, both dishes are best cooked on the stovetop or grilled. Salisbury steak can also be baked in the oven, whereas hamburger steak is often pan-fried.
Typical Dishes
Finally, when it comes to typical dishes, Salisbury steaks are often served with mashed potatoes or gravy, while hamburgers are usually served with chips.
Comparison Table
| Salisbury Steak | Hamburger Steak | |
| Type of Meat | Combination of ground beef with fillers | Just ground beef |
| Cut of Meat | Lean with a bit of fat | Lean with a bit of fat |
| Texture | Denser, more uniform | Loose, a bit crumbly |
| Taste | Rich and flavorful | Beefy flavor |
| Cost | Inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| Best Cooking Method | Broiling, baking, or slow cooking | Grilling, pan-frying |
| Typical Dishes | Salisbury steak and sandwiches | Hamburger |
FAQ
What makes it a Salisbury steak?
The USDA states that a Salisbury steak must contain at least 65% meat, up to 25% pork-derived. However, if the pork is de-fatted, it can only constitute 12%. Moreover, no more than 30% of the entire dish should contain fat.
What’s another name for hamburger steak?
The dish is commonly referred to by many names, including Salisbury steak, sludge-burger, Hamburg steak patty, ground beef patty, and Hamburg patty, known as hamburger steak.
Is hamburger steak just hamburger?
Hamburger is a patty in a bun with other ingredients. Without the bun, it’s called hamburger steak.