Quick Overview
If you are searching for a delectable meal that impresses, look no further than this steak with garlic cream sauce recipe. This dish combines tender cuts of beef with a rich and creamy garlic-infused sauce that elevates the dining experience. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you will have a stunning dish on your table in no time.
Ingredient Breakdown
Steak
For this recipe, choose high-quality steaks such as ribeye or filet mignon. You’ll need about 1 pound of steak, which serves two to three people. A good cut ensures tenderness and flavor when cooked.
Olive Oil
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the steaks. The oil helps achieve a beautiful crust while keeping the meat juicy. Choose extra virgin for added flavor.
Garlic
You will require 4 cloves of minced garlic to create the creamy sauce. Freshly minced garlic offers a robust flavor that complements the richness of the steak perfectly.
Heavy Cream
Add 1 cup of heavy cream to make the sauce luscious and creamy. The cream provides a velvety texture that balances out the flavors of the garlic.
Beef Broth
Incorporate ½ cup of beef broth into the sauce for depth and richness. This ingredient enhances the overall taste and brings all components together harmoniously.
Fresh Parsley
Use 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds color to the dish and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the flavors.
Step By Step Recipe: Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
Prepare the Steak
Start by taking your steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing them to reach room temperature ensures even cooking throughout. Pat them dry using paper towels; this helps achieve a nice sear on the meat.
Season Steaks
Generously season both sides of each steak with salt and pepper just before cooking. This step enhances the flavor profile significantly as it penetrates into the meat during cooking, creating a delicious crust.
Sear Steaks
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan without overcrowding, ensuring they sizzle upon contact. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until browned.
Remove Steaks from Pan
After searing both sides to your desired doneness (medium-rare is recommended), transfer the steaks onto a plate and cover them loosely with foil. Letting them rest allows juices to redistribute within the meat for optimal tenderness.
Make Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the steaks, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream along with ½ cup of beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Simmer Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste your garlic cream sauce and adjust seasoning as needed by adding salt or pepper according to preference. If you like more garlicky notes, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
Return Steaks to Skillet
Once satisfied with your sauce’s flavor, return your rested steaks back into the skillet along with any juices released on their plate. Spoon some sauce over them and let cook together briefly for another minute so everything is well combined.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve Immediately
Serve your steak with garlic cream sauce right away while hot! Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for complete satisfaction on your plate.
Garnish
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each steak for added color and freshness. This final touch makes your dish visually appealing while giving an extra layer of flavor.
Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat when ready to enjoy again without losing moisture from both steak and sauce.
Freezing Options
While freezing is possible, it’s best done only if necessary due to potential texture changes after thawing. Wrap well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; consume within three months for best quality when thawed again!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when preparing steak with garlic cream sauce is not allowing the steak to rest after cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. If you skip this, you may end up with a dry steak. Aim for at least five minutes of resting time before slicing.
Another mistake is using low-quality ingredients. The flavor of the garlic cream sauce is largely dependent on the quality of cream and garlic you use. Opt for fresh garlic and high-fat content cream to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic as it can lead to a less robust taste.
Overcooking the steak is a frequent error that can ruin your dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired doneness without going too far. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). Cooking it beyond this will make it tough and chewy.
Failing to season adequately is another misstep. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the natural flavors of both the steak and the sauce. Be sure to season generously before cooking, as well as during the preparation of the garlic cream sauce, to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
Finally, neglecting to pair sides appropriately can detract from your meal’s overall appeal. Consider serving your steak with complementary sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables that balance both texture and flavor, enhancing your dining experience.
Tips and tricks
To make the best steak with garlic cream sauce, begin by choosing the right cut of meat. Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor. Look for steaks that have good marbling, as this fat will render during cooking, adding moisture and richness to each bite.
When preparing your garlic cream sauce, sauté fresh minced garlic in butter before adding heavy cream. This technique allows the garlic’s natural sweetness to develop while infusing its flavor into the sauce. Cook it over low heat to avoid burning the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
Another tip is to deglaze the pan after searing your steak. Once you remove the steak, add a splash of white wine or broth to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your sauce when combined with cream.
Consider garnishing your finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness. Not only does this enhance visual appeal, but fresh herbs also bring an extra layer of flavor that complements both the steak and garlic cream sauce beautifully.
Lastly, practice proper plating techniques when serving your dish. Slice your steak against the grain into thin strips for tender bites. Drizzle some garlic cream sauce over the top and serve it alongside well-chosen sides on a warm plate for an inviting presentation that makes your meal even more enjoyable.
Suggestions for Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce
Pairing your steak with garlic cream sauce works well with various accompaniments. For example, creamy mashed potatoes serve as an ideal base for soaking up excess sauce while providing a comforting texture contrast against tender steak slices.
Roasted seasonal vegetables add vibrant colors and flavors that complement both elements in this dish beautifully. Think about including asparagus or Brussels sprouts drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with salt before roasting until tender yet crisp.
If you’re aiming for something lighter, consider serving a fresh salad on the side featuring mixed greens dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. This will provide balance amidst richness from both the steak and creamy sauce.
For those who love carbohydrates, consider pairing this dish with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls. These options allow guests to enjoy every last bit of savory garlic cream sauce without waste while adding hearty satisfaction to each bite.
Lastly, don’t forget about beverage pairings! A robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a light-bodied Pinot Noir can enhance flavors found in both meat and sauce while elevating your dining experience overall.
FAQs
What type of steak is best for making Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Ribeye or sirloin steaks are among the best cuts for making steak with garlic cream sauce due to their tenderness and rich flavors. Ribeye has great marbling, ensuring moistness during cooking, while sirloin provides a slightly leaner option without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare Garlic Cream Sauce ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare garlic cream sauce ahead of time by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving; however, note that it may thicken upon cooling so adding a little milk may help restore its consistency when reheating.
How do I know when my steak is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is key for achieving perfectly cooked steak. For medium-rare doneness, look for an internal temperature around 130°F (54°C). For medium doneness aim closer toward 140°F (60°C). Remove from heat slightly below target temperature since residual heat will continue cooking it while resting.
What should I serve alongside Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Complementary sides include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even fresh salads dressed lightly in olive oil vinegar combinations—these options balance out richness from both meat and creamy sauces perfectly!
Can I substitute heavy cream in this recipe?
If you’re looking for lighter alternatives instead of heavy cream in this recipe consider using half-and-half or whole milk; however keep in mind these substitutes may alter final texture slightly resulting in less richness compared directly using heavy cream which provides deeper flavors overall!
Is there a vegetarian alternative to Steak with Garlic Cream Sauce?
For a vegetarian alternative consider using portobello mushrooms instead of beef steaks; they have meaty textures ideal for grilling or pan-searing! Pair them similarly with homemade creamy sauces made from cashews blended into smooth creams incorporating roasted garlic flavors—as deliciously satisfying substitutes!
Summary
In conclusion, making delicious steak with garlic cream sauce requires attention to detail at every stage—from selecting quality cuts of meat through final plating techniques! Avoid common mistakes such as overcooking or neglecting seasoning while implementing helpful tips like proper ingredient choices ensures optimal results every time you cook this flavorful dish! Pair wisely using complementary sides enhances enjoyment further while answering FAQs clarifies any lingering concerns chefs may have regarding preparation methods! Enjoy crafting memorable meals centered around this delightful combination!