Steaks with Merlot Sauce is a delightful dish, perfect for those special occasions when you want to impress your guests or treat yourself and your loved one to a luxurious meal. This recipe, adapted from Bon Appetit, features tender steaks smothered in a rich and flavorful Merlot sauce that will elevate your dining experience to new heights. 🍷
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Low sodium chicken broth |
| 2 | Beef broth |
| 1 | Stick of butter |
| 2 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 1 | Shallot |
| 4 cloves | Garlic |
| 1/4 tsp | Dried thyme |
| 1 sprig | Fresh thyme |
Instructions:
-
Reduce the Wine Mixture:
- Begin by boiling the Merlot wine along with the chicken and beef broths in a heavy large saucepan over high heat until it’s reduced to approximately 2 cups. This process will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the result is a concentrated and flavorful base for your sauce.
-
Prep Ahead (Optional):
- A convenient option is to prepare the reduced wine mixture in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to proceed with the rest of the recipe.
-
Prepare the Butter and Flour Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and all-purpose flour until well combined. This mixture will serve as the thickening agent for your sauce, adding richness and body.
-
Sear the Steaks:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then carefully place them in the hot skillet. Sear the steaks to your desired level of doneness, approximately 4 minutes per side for medium-rare steaks. Once cooked to perfection, transfer the steaks to a plate and keep them warm.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for searing the steaks, add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Sauté the aromatics for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
-
Add the Reduced Wine Mixture:
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of the reduced wine mixture into the skillet, reserving the remainder for another use. Bring the mixture to a boil, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These flavorful browned bits will enhance the complexity of the sauce.
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Thicken the Sauce:
- Once the mixture is boiling, whisk in the butter and flour mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Allow the sauce to boil gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take approximately 2 minutes, resulting in a luscious and velvety sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- To serve, drizzle the luxurious Merlot sauce over the seared steaks, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve any remaining sauce in a gravy boat on the side, ensuring that every bite is accompanied by a generous amount of delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Pair this exquisite dish with your favorite crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the indulgent sauce.
- Complement the steaks and sauce with a fresh and vibrant salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of Merlot to enjoy alongside this elegant dish, as the wine’s bold flavors will perfectly complement the richness of the sauce.
Indulge in the culinary delight of Steaks with Merlot Sauce, and treat yourself to a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of tender steaks and decadent sauce. Cheers to good food, good company, and memorable moments shared around the table! 🥩🍷
