Strip Steak with Garlic & Herb Cream Sauce

Preparing a perfect strip steak reminds me of gatherings at home, where laughter and chatter blend with the rich aromas from the kitchen. Strip steaks, with their tender and juicy profiles, always steal the show during our family dinners. The secret often lies in the simplicity of the process and the magic of a rich garlic and herb cream sauce.

Creating a delicious strip steak isn’t just about throwing a piece of meat on the grill. It’s an experience filled with anticipation, from selecting the best cut to garnishing it with sumptuous sauces. Over the years, I’ve perfected this dish, and it now becomes a staple whenever I want to impress my guests.

The beauty of strip steaks lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them with a variety of sides, allowing you to cater to everyone’s cravings. As I share this recipe, I look forward to enticing your taste buds and inspiring you to create a meal that not only nourishes but brings people together.

Let’s embark on this culinary journey, exploring how to craft the perfect strip steak with a creamy garlic and herb sauce that will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience.

Strip Steak with Garlic & Herb Cream Sauce

Fundamentals

Understanding the core components of preparing an excellent strip steak is essential. The strip steak, cut from the short loin, is prized for its balance of tenderness and flavor. This cut contains enough marbling to render it juicy without excessive fat.

Temperature plays a vital role in cooking strip steak. Many chefs recommend cooking steak to medium-rare, which offers the best balance between tenderness and flavor. For those who prefer a different cook, knowing precise temperatures ensures the desired doneness every time.

Finally, seasoning brings simplicity and depth to the dish. Utilizing a blend of salt and pepper allows the natural flavors of the beef to shine while preparing the palate for the accompanying sauce.

Preparation/setup

Preparation is crucial when working with strip steak. Begin by removing the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. A steak cooked at room temperature sears beautifully and ensures even cooking.

Start with a clean workspace and gather all the necessary tools: a sharp knife, a cutting board, tongs, and a heavy skillet or grill. If using a skillet, cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, creating those coveted crusty sears on your steak.

Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Properly heating prevents the meat from sticking and allows for a perfect sear. While the skillet warms, season your steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coat for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

To create this delectable strip steak dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 strip steaks (around 1 inch thick)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Season both sides of the strip steaks generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Carefully place the steaks in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing a rich crust to form.
4. Flip the steaks using tongs and add butter to the skillet. Cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached.
5. Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest while you prepare the sauce.
6. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
7. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
9. Serve the strip steak with the creamy garlic and herb sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy!

Strip Steak with Garlic & Herb Sauce

Technique

Cooking a strip steak perfectly requires skill but results in an impressive dish. Achieving that signature crust depends on two main techniques: searing and resting.

When you place the steak in a hot skillet, avoid moving it around. This allows the Maillard reaction, responsible for that beautiful browning, to occur. Letting the steak sear uninterrupted creates a caramelized exterior, locking in those juices.

After cooking, resting the steak is equally important. Wrapping it in foil ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, yielding a flavorful bite in every slice.

Tips/tricks

For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The USDA recommends cooking steaks to at least 145°F. Standard levels of doneness include:

• Rare: 120°F
• Medium-rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium-well: 150°F
• Well done: 160°F

Additionally, consider experimenting with the herb blends in the cream sauce. While the recipe highlights parsley and thyme, feel free to incorporate rosemary or chives for a personalized touch.

Ensure you taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon zest to enhance brightness.

Strip Steak with Garlic & Herb Sauce

Perfecting Results

To achieve stellar results with your strip steak, begin with high-quality meat from a reputable butcher. Look for a well-marbled steak, which often indicates a juicy and flavorful finished product.

Consistency plays a vital role in perfecting results. Aim for uniform thickness, as this helps the steak cook evenly. If you encounter uneven portions, consider gently pounding them to create a consistent profile.

Don’t rush cooking. Giving the steak ample time on each side prevents dryness while promoting flavor development.

Troubleshooting/variations

Many factors can affect the outcomes when cooking strip steak. If your steak turns out tough or chewy, consider the quality of the cut. Inexpensive cuts or overcooking can lead to less tender results.

Adjustments in seasoning can also provide variations. A touch of smoked paprika or garlic powder can enhance flavors while providing a unique twist.

If you prefer a spicier sauce, incorporate red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce, elevating the flavor profile to your preference.

Strip Steak with Garlic & Herb Sauce

Serving/presentation

Presentation elevates the meal. Serve the strip steak on a large white platter, allowing the colors of the dish to stand out. Drizzle the warm garlic and herb cream sauce over the steak generously. Garnish with additional chopped herbs to enhance visual appeal.

Accompany your steak with seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the richness of the sauce. A colorful salad adds freshness, making the meal feel more complete.

Pairings/storage

Enjoy your strip steak with a variety of sides. Root vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad all pair beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish. Consider offering warm bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the texture. Enjoying this flavorful meal again can bring comfort on a busy weeknight.

Conclusion

A great strip steak with garlic and herb cream sauce serves not only as a delightful experience for your taste buds but also as a dish that invites connection. The process of preparing and savoring this meal embodies the joy of cooking and sharing good food. From selecting the cut to garnishing, every stage reveals the beauty of home-cooked meals.

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