Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Tender Steaks: The careful cooking technique ensures your steaks are cooked to perfection, juicy and tender every time.
- Crispy, Golden Chips: The oven-baked method results in chips that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The mushroom sauce adds a luxurious touch, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary preferences or taste profiles.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet feel, this recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Beef Steaks: Opt for ribeye or New York strip for the best flavor and tenderness. Let them sit at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for making crispy chips. Cut them into thick fries for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: Used for tossing the potatoes before baking, ensuring they get crispy and golden.
- Butter: Adds richness when cooking the steaks, enhancing their flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the mushroom sauce.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work well, providing a meaty texture to the sauce.
- Beef Broth: Essential for creating a rich base for the mushroom sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the savory flavors.
- Soy Sauce: A small amount enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for all components of the dish.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Reverse Searing: For even cooking, consider reverse searing the steaks. Start by baking them in a low-temperature oven (around 275°F or 135°C) until they reach an internal temperature of about 10-15 degrees below your desired doneness. Then, finish them in a hot skillet for a perfect sear.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks are cooked to your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is typically around 135°F (57°C).
- Resting Time: Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Crispy Chips: To achieve the crispiest chips, make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Sauce Thickness: If your mushroom sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water, or by letting it simmer longer to reduce.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Crusted Steak: Before searing, coat the steaks with a mixture of chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or a plant-based steak alternative, and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese over the chips before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Low-Fat Version: Use less butter and heavy cream, or substitute with olive oil and a dairy-free alternative for the sauce.
- Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add sautéed onions and a splash of red wine to the mushroom sauce for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari instead.
- Garlic Butter Chips: Toss the chips with garlic butter after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Elegant Dinner: Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or asparagus for a complete, elegant meal.
- Casual Gathering: Pair with a simple green salad and a selection of condiments like ketchup and aioli for a more casual setting.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange the steak and chips on a warm plate, drizzle the mushroom sauce over the steak, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for an impressive presentation.
- Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a full-bodied Pinot Noir complements the rich flavors of the dish.
- Family Meal: Serve with roasted vegetables and a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover steak and chips in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The steak and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. The chips can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
- Make-Ahead: The mushroom sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, the mushroom sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated. The steak is best cooked fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
Q: What type of steak is best for this recipe?
A: Ribeye or New York strip are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, but you can use any steak cut you prefer.
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Yes, while russet potatoes are ideal for crispy chips, you can use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor.
Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C).
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream in the sauce.
Q: What can I do if my chips are not crispy enough?
A: Ensure the chips are spread out evenly on the baking sheet and bake them a bit longer, flipping them to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I use a different type of mushroom?
A: Yes, you can use any variety of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is there a way to make the sauce thicker?
A: Yes, you can thicken the sauce by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by simmering it longer to reduce.
Conclusion
The ultimate steak and chips with a rich mushroom sauce is a dish that brings the sophistication of a restaurant meal into your home. With careful attention to cooking techniques and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering a gourmet meal.
Don’t forget to share your results on social media and leave a comment with your experience. Bon appétit!
Ultimate Steak and Chips with a Rich Mushroom Sauce
Equipment
- Heavy skillet
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 beef steaks Ribeye or New York strip, about 1 inch thick
- 4 large russet potatoes washed and cut into thick fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil for frying chips
- 2 tbsp butter for cooking steaks
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms cremini or button
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While the chips are baking, season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat and add the butter. Once melted and foaming, add the steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and soy sauce, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the thyme, and let the sauce reduce for about 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the steaks with the crispy chips on the side, and generously spoon the mushroom sauce over the top.
