Braised steak marries the succulence of premium beef with a symphony of seasonings, resulting in a dish that melts in your mouth. This recipe not only suits a romantic dinner for two but is also perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party. Let’s explore how to create this masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 thick – cut steaks, preferably ribeye or sirloin, weighing around 250g each. Their marbling ensures a tender and juicy outcome.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 slices of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of cooking wine
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Step – by – Step Cooking Process
Preparing the Steak
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear evenly. Generously season both sides of the steaks with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 15 – 20 minutes. This allows the seasonings to penetrate and the steaks to come to an even temperature, ensuring uniform cooking.
Searing the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy – bottomed skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for 2 – 3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden – brown crust forms. This locks in the juices. Remove the seared steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
Cooking the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and minced ginger. Stir – fry until the onion becomes translucent and the aromatics are fragrant, about 2 – 3 minutes.
Making the Braising Sauce
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cooking wine. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
Braising the Steak
- Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil. Return the seared steaks to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the steaks braise for 30 – 40 minutes. Flip the steaks halfway through the braising process to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks. The goal is to make the steaks tender enough to cut with a fork.
Serving
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Spoon the thickened braising sauce over the steaks. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an added touch of freshness. Serve the braised steak with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
