Four Steakhouse-Style Pan Sauces You Can Serve Over Your Steak
After you're finished preparing your steak in a hot skillet, there will be flavorful, caramelized drippings left behind in the pan. It would be a shame to let these delicious bits go to waste. Instead of rinsing them away, try incorporating them into a pan sauce to serve over your steak. Here are four ideas to try:
Classic Butter and Wine Sauce
As soon as you remove the steak from the pan, pour 1/3 cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet work well) into the pan. Simmer for 2 - 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan constantly. Then, turn off the heat, and add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, along with a little salt and pepper to taste. Stir while the butter melts, thickening and flavoring the sauce. Pour the finished product over your steak, and enjoy.
Mustard and Vinegar Sauce
This sauce is a bit unconventional, but it will have you asking for seconds. After you remove the steak from the pan, add 2 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and a pinch of white sugar. Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a simmer. Almost as soon as it starts bubbling, pour it over the steak.
Mushroom and Shallot Reduction
If you prefer a sauce with more substance, this one is a great choice. It takes a few more minutes to make, but is totally worth it in the end. After removing the steak from the pan, add 1 tablespoon butter along with 2 tablespoons chopped shallots and 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (button, shitake or cremini mushrooms work well). Saute until the mushrooms are tender. Then, stir in 1/4 cup red wine and 1/4 cup canned beef broth or stock. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 2 - 3 minutes or until thickened. Ladle over your steak.
Garlic Reduction
Garlic and steak pair together so well, and this buttery sauce makes it all the better. After removing the steak from the pan, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon butter. Saute gently for 2 minutes or so; do not let the garlic brown. Then, pour 1/4 cup Chardonnay (or another dry white wine) into the pan. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper, along with 1/8 teaspoon of onion powder. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Pour over your steak, and enjoy.
If you'd rather go out for steak tonight than make it yourself, head to a restaurant like Mr Mikes Steakhouse & Bar.
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