When steak and kidney pie is one of your Best Sellers
When steak and kidney pie is one of your BEST SELLERS 😳 is a hard British recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Poles Patisserie on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 40 min
Cost: $22.45 total, $3.74 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Beef Chuck Steak (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 250 g Beef Kidneys (cleaned, trimmed and sliced)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1 medium Carrot (diced)
- 1 Celery Stalk (diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 300 ml Beef Stock (low‑sodium)
- 150 ml Red Wine (optional, adds depth)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped)
- 1 Bay Leaf (whole)
- to taste Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for thickening the filling)
- 2 Puff Pastry Sheets (approx. 250 g each, thawed if frozen)
- 1 Egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk (mixed with egg for wash)
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry Base
Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to about 3 mm thickness. Gently fit it into a greased 9‑inch pie dish, pressing into the edges. Chill the lined dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Time: PT15M
Season and Brown the Meat
Pat the beef cubes and kidney slices dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat and brown the beef in batches until all sides are caramelised, about 3‑4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT20M
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Deglaze and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour; cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it reduce by half, then add the beef stock, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the browned meat and kidneys to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 35‑40 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Time: PT45M
Cool the Filling
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Transfer the filling to a shallow bowl and let it cool to room temperature; this prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
Time: PT15M
Assemble the Pie
Spoon the cooled filling into the chilled pastry shell, spreading evenly. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet and lay it over the filling. Trim excess pastry, press edges together, and crimp with a fork or your fingers. Cut 4‑5 small slits in the top for steam release.
Time: PT15M
Bake the Pie
Place the assembled pie on a baking tray and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 40‑45 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 200°C
Rest and Serve
Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, peas, or a simple green salad.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten
Allergens: Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Chuck Steak: Beef stew meat
- Instead of Beef Kidneys: Liver
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalk: Celery leaf
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder
- Instead of Beef Stock: Stock cube dissolved in water
- Instead of Red Wine: Additional beef stock
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Ketchup
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Bay leaf powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch
- Instead of Puff Pastry Sheets: Shortcrust pastry
- Instead of Egg: Milk wash
- Instead of Milk: Water
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Pie Dish 9‑inch
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
- Mixing Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the meat to develop flavor
- Simmering the filling until thick and tender
- Ensuring the pastry is chilled before assembly to avoid shrinkage
- Baking until the pastry is fully puffed and golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mixture of cold butter and ice water for the puff pastry to achieve maximum lift.
- Add a splash of sherry or brandy with the wine for extra depth.
- Brush the top with egg‑milk wash and sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt for a beautiful finish.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too watery.
Simmer longer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a slurry of flour and cold water.
Pastry becomes soggy.
Ensure the filling is cooled before adding to the pastry and bake on a pre‑heated baking sheet to promote bottom heat.
Pastry shrinks or cracks during baking.
Keep pastry cold, avoid over‑rolling, and do not over‑handle. Chill the assembled pie for 10 minutes before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool the pie completely, then cover tightly. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the unbaked assembled pie in cling film and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to baking time.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the pie contains perishable meat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before assembling.
- Assemble the pie, apply egg wash, and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- If using frozen puff pastry, keep it chilled until just before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Steak and Kidney Pie in British cuisine?
Steak and kidney pie is a classic British comfort food that dates back to the Victorian era, when off‑cuts like kidneys were combined with steak to create a hearty, economical dish for working families and pubs.
What are the traditional regional variations of Steak and Kidney Pie in England and Scotland?
In England the pie is usually made with puff pastry and a rich gravy, while in Scotland a shortcrust pastry is common and the filling may include a splash of whisky and a touch of mustard.
How is Steak and Kidney Pie traditionally served in British pubs?
It is typically served hot with mashed potatoes, peas, and sometimes a side of pickled beetroot, accompanied by a pint of ale or stout.
What occasions or celebrations is Steak and Kidney Pie traditionally associated with in British culture?
The pie is a staple for Sunday family meals, pub lunches, and is often featured at winter gatherings and holiday feasts because it is warming and filling.
How does Steak and Kidney Pie fit into the broader British cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies British cuisine’s love of meat‑filled pastries, showcasing the tradition of using sturdy pastry to encase savory fillings that can be reheated and enjoyed over several days.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Steak and Kidney Pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include beef chuck, fresh beef kidneys, puff pastry, beef stock, red wine, and thyme. Substitutes can be shortcrust pastry, lamb kidneys, or using beef broth instead of wine for a non‑alcoholic version.
What other British dishes pair well with Steak and Kidney Pie?
Classic pairings include buttery mashed potatoes, buttered peas, roasted root vegetables, and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
What makes Steak and Kidney Pie special or unique in British cuisine?
Its combination of tender steak with the distinctive, slightly metallic flavor of kidneys, all encased in a flaky puff pastry, creates a texture and taste profile that is uniquely British.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Steak and Kidney Pie at home?
Common errors include overcooking the kidneys (they become rubbery), using a hot filling that sogs the pastry, and not chilling the pastry before baking, which leads to shrinkage.
Why does this Steak and Kidney Pie recipe use puff pastry instead of shortcrust pastry?
Puff pastry provides a light, airy lift that contrasts with the rich, dense filling, giving the pie a more elegant texture; shortcrust is heavier and can become soggy with a moist filling.
Can I make Steak and Kidney Pie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate, or assemble the unbaked pie, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
What does the YouTube channel Poles Patisserie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Poles Patisserie specializes in classic European pastries and pies, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern home‑cooking tips.
How does the YouTube channel Poles Patisserie's approach to British cooking differ from other British cooking channels?
Poles Patisserie focuses on meticulous pastry craftsmanship, often using professional‑grade equipment and detailed explanations of dough handling, whereas many other British channels emphasize quick, rustic methods.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






