Chef John's Steak Diane
Recipe information
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Cooking:
15 min.
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Servings per container:
2
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Source:

Ingredients for - Chef John's Steak Diane

1. Demi-glace - ½ cup
2. Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon
3. Worcestershire sauce - 2 teaspoons
4. Tomato paste - 1 teaspoon
5. Cayenne pepper - 1 pinch
6. Vegetable oil - 2 teaspoons
7. Beef tenderloin steaks, fully trimmed, pounded to 1/2 inch thick - 2 (8 ounce)
8. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 (8 ounce)
9. Unsalted butter, cut into small chunks - 1 tablespoon
10. Shallot, minced - 3 tablespoons
11. Cognac or brandy - ¼ cup
12. Heavy cream - ¼ cup
13. Sliced fresh chives - 2 teaspoons

How to cook deliciously - Chef John's Steak Diane

1. Stage

Season steaks generously on both sides with salt. Allow steaks to come to room temperature while you make the sauce.

2. Stage

Stir together demi-glace (see Cook's Note), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

3. Stage

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. Stage

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. Stage

Transfer to hot plates and serve with a generous spoonful or two of sauce. Sprinkle with chives. Chef John