- **High-Quality Beef Tenderloin** - Choose the best cut for optimal flavor and texture.
- **Beurre Diane Sauce Ingredients**:
- **White Wine** - A key ingredient for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- **Heavy Cream** - Adds richness to complement the wine flavors.
- **Fresh Parsley** - Enhances the dish with fresh herbs.
- **Butter** - The base of the sauce that makes it silky and smooth.
- **Leeks or Shallots** - Optional, for a subtle onion flavor.
- **Salt and Pepper** - For seasoning the steak to perfection.
- **Beef Broth** - Can be used as an alternative to wine for those who prefer not to use alcohol.
- **Optional Garnishes**:
- **Fresh Chives**
- **Basil Leaves**
- **Truffle Oil** (for a luxurious touch)
- **Demi-Glace** - For an enhanced depth of flavor, though it’s optional.
This list ensures all necessary ingredients for creating Chef Nichols' Steak Diane while incorporating SEO-friendly formatting and relevant keywords.
Steps
### Chef Nichols' Steak Diane Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on crafting an exquisite Chef Nichols-style Steak Diane! This classic dish combines rich beef with a luscious sauce made from shallots, wine, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests, follow these detailed steps.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g thick-cut fillet steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 shallots, finely chopped
- 50ml dry white wine (chardonnay or pinot noir)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish
#### Preparation Steps:
1. **Preheat Your Pan**: Start by preheating a large non-stick skillet over high heat. This ensures the steak sears quickly and retains its juices.
2. **Season the Steak**: Liberally season both sides of your fillet steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Patting the meat gently ensures the seasoning adheres effectively.
3. **Sear the Steak**: Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and wait for it to shimmer before placing the steak in the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms. For medium-rare, this should be enough; adjust time according to your preference.
4. **Remove and Rest**: Carefully remove the seared steak from the skillet using tongs and place it on a plate. Cover with aluminum foil and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
#### Sauce Preparation:
5. **Sauté Shallots**: In the same skillet used for searing the steak, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
6. **Deglaze with Wine**: Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half. This step helps to extract flavors from the pan’s residue, creating a richer sauce base.
7. **Combine Sauce Ingredients**: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned. Then mix in Dijon mustard and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. The acid in the lemon juice will help cut through the richness of the wine and butter, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
8. **Thicken the Sauce**: Reduce heat slightly and allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. If too thick, add a little water or beef broth for dilution.
9. **Finish with Butter**: Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter at the end to add richness and shine to the sauce.
10. **Serve**: Slice the rested steak against the grain into medallions. Spoon over the warm sauce and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
#### Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality fillet steak; it will yield better flavor.
- Ensure your pan is preheated to avoid steaming rather than searing the meat.
- Adjust seasoning, wine type, and mustard amount according to personal taste preferences.
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked Chef Nichols-style Steak Diane that impresses both your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!