Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) ribeye or New York strip steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: Steak seasoning or marinade of your choice
For the Sides:
- Baked or mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
- Creamy garlic mushrooms
- Caesar salad or mixed green salad
Description:
A Steak Dinner is a classic and luxurious meal that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a delicious and satisfying feast. Tender and juicy ribeye or New York strip steaks are seasoned to perfection and seared to create a delectable crust. This dish is paired with flavorful sides like potatoes, vegetables, and salad, making it a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steaks:
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear.
2. Season the Steaks (Optional):
- If you like, you can season the steaks with your favorite steak seasoning or marinade. However, a simple seasoning of salt and black pepper works beautifully to highlight the natural flavors of the meat.
3. Preheat the Pan:
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until it’s hot.
4. Sear the Steaks:
- Add the olive oil to the hot pan, and then carefully place the seasoned steaks in the pan.
- Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness (medium-rare, medium, or well-done). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for about 135°F (57°C), for medium, aim for about 145°F (63°C), and for well-done, aim for about 160°F (71°C).
- During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the pan and toss them around the steaks.
5. Add Butter for Flavor:
- Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, add the butter to the pan. Let it melt and baste the steaks with the melted butter, garlic, and thyme. This adds richness and enhances the flavors.
6. Rest the Steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
7. Prepare the Sides:
- While the steaks are resting, prepare the sides to accompany your steak dinner. You can bake or mash potatoes, steam some vegetables, and toss a fresh salad for a well-balanced meal.
8. Serve the Steak Dinner:
- Slice the rested steaks against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Plate the sliced steaks alongside the sides you prepared.
- Optionally, drizzle any remaining pan juices over the steaks for added flavor.
9. Enjoy Your Steak Dinner:
- Gather around the table and savor the succulent and flavorful steak dinner with your loved ones.
- Relish in the deliciousness of perfectly cooked steaks paired with complementary sides, creating an exquisite and satisfying meal.
A Steak Dinner is a timeless and delightful choice that’s sure to impress both steak enthusiasts and anyone looking for a special and memorable dining experience. With the perfect sear and seasoning, paired with delectable sides, this meal becomes an indulgent feast worth celebrating. Enjoy the culinary masterpiece that is a well-executed Steak Dinner, and create unforgettable moments over a meal that brings comfort and joy to your dining table.
