Chef John's Steak Diane
Description
Steak Diane is an impressive dish made with pan-fried tenderloin served with a silky cognac and shallot pan sauce that's flambéed and basted over the beef.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup demi-glace
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon tomato paste
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
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2 teaspoons vegetable oil
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2 (8 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, fully trimmed, pounded to 1/2 inch thick
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
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3 tablespoons shallot, minced
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1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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2 teaspoons sliced fresh chives
Directions
1
Season steaks generously on both sides with salt. Allow steaks to come to room temperature while you make the sauce.
2
Stir together demi-glace, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
3
Heat oil in a skillet over very high heat, swirling carefully to evenly cover surface. When oil reaches a smoking point, transfer steaks to oil; add a few chunks of butter. Sear meat on high heat until brown on each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side; keep them on the rare side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 125 degrees F (52 degrees C). Transfer steaks to a warm plate.
4
Stir shallots into skillet; cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; pour in Cognac. Carefully ignite with a fireplace lighter. When alcohol burns off and flames go out, return skillet to high heat and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, a few minutes to reduce slightly. Add demi-glace mixture, cream, and any accumulated juices from the steak. Cook on high heat just until sauce starts to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer steaks back to pan and reduce heat to low. Gently simmer until meat is heated through and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5
Transfer to hot plates and serve with a generous spoonful or two of sauce. Sprinkle with chives.