Steak and onions is a classic and simple dish that features tender steak and sautéed onions. Here’s a basic recipe to make steak and onions:
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or red wine for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Steaks:
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add other seasonings like garlic powder or steak seasoning if desired.
3. Preheat the Pan:
- Heat a heavy skillet or frying pan over high heat until it’s very hot.
4. Sear the Steaks:
- Add the vegetable oil or olive oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
- Carefully place the seasoned steaks into the hot pan. Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
5. Rest the Steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on a plate. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the steaks.
6. Sauté the Onions:
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic (if using). Sauté the onions over medium-high heat until they become soft and caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
7. Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the beef broth (or red wine) to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds flavor to the onions and sauce.
8. Finish with Butter:
- Stir in the butter until it’s melted and well combined with the onions and sauce. This adds richness and a silky texture to the dish.
9. Slice and Serve:
- Slice the rested steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve the steak slices topped with the caramelized onions and drizzle the pan sauce over them.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Steak and onions make for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can pair this dish with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!