posted by Fruffy 05-18-101 8:21 AM
Steak Diane
From goodcooking by chef John J. Vyhnanek
4 (3 ounce) center cut beef tenderloin medallions, trimmed of all fat and pounded to 1/2 inch thick, chilled
1 1/2 oz. clarified butter
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. shallots, chopped fine
1/8 tsp. garlic, minced
1/4 cup mushroom caps, sliced 1/8 inch thick
1 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1 tsp. dry mustard powder
1/2 tsp. thyme leaves, fresh if possible
2 oz. heavy cream
1 oz. Brandy
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. chives, chopped
salt, about 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
ground black pepper, fresh ground
Whether you want to impress your guest or just make it for yourself, there is a sequence to be followed to make a perfect Steak Diane. For this dish you will need a heavy bottom fry/sauté pan 12 inches in diameter. All ingredients will be cooked together, so a big pan is needed.
First in a small sauté pan, 8 or 10 inches, heat 1 tbsp. butter over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the tenderloin steaks, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, increase heat to medium-high and sauté exactly 2 minutes on each side. Remove them to a plate and chill in a refrigerator for 5 minutes.
Pre-heat the large sauté pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add Clarified butter, then add the Worcestershire sauce to the butter. Place the shallots, garlic and mushrooms in the center of the pan with the tenderloin steaks around the edges. With a spoon, stir and toss the mushroom mixture. After 2 minutes add the lemon juice and season the ingredients with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Turn the steaks and add the thyme, chopped parsley and dried mustard powder.
Now cook the steaks to the doneness you like. Leave them in the pan and add the heavy cream and chives. Tilt the pan slightly, and pour the brandy into the front edge of the pan, turn the heat to high and let the flame (or if electric, light with a match) catch the brandy's vapors and ignite it. Swirl slightly, turn off the heat and let the flame go out.