Steak à la Bordelaise Recipe

Steak à la Bordelaise is a classic French dish that combines a beautifully cooked steak with a rich Bordelaise sauce, made from red wine and beef stock. 

This flavorful sauce, which hails from the Bordeaux region of France, enhances the steak's taste with its deep, savory notes.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 400g (14 oz) rib steak / small sirloin / loin strip steak (max 1” thick)

Equipment:

• 1 frying pan
• 1 tong or fork

For the Bordelaise Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 onion, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup red wine (preferably Bordeaux)
• 1/3 cup of beef or vegetable stock (water + 1 tsp better than bouillon paste)
• 2 tbsp soft butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment for Sauce:

• Same skillet used for the steak
• Spatula

Directions

1. Prepare the Steak:
   • Dry the steak thoroughly with paper towels to ensure it browns well.
   • Heat the butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • Once the butter is foaming, sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes on one side.
   • Flip the steak and sauté the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. (To check doneness, make a small incision in the meat.)
   • Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside. Pour out excess fat from the skillet.
2. Make the Bordelaise Sauce:
   • Melt 10g of butter in the skillet over medium-low heat.
   • Add diced onions and cook until lightly browned (about 3 minutes), stirring occasionally.
   • Pour in the red wine, bringing it to a simmer. Increase the heat to medium-high.
   • Cook until the wine is reduced by half and the pan juices are slightly syrupy (approximately 5 minutes).
   • Add the stock and return to a simmer, cooking until reduced by half and the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
   • Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining soft butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve the sauce over the steak and enjoy!

Exploring Bordelaise Sauce

Bordelaise Sauce is often associated with high-quality cuts of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin. This French steak sauce is characterized by its luxurious flavor, primarily derived from Bordeaux wine, which is known for its rich and complex profile. The main ingredients of Bordelaise sauce typically include red wine, onions, and stock, resulting in a deep, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with steak.

Popular Questions About Bordelaise Sauce

• Is Bordelaise Sauce Gluten-Free? Yes, if made from scratch using gluten-free ingredients.
• What’s the Best Wine for Bordelaise Sauce? A good Bordeaux wine is ideal, as it enhances the sauce's flavor and complements the steak beautifully.
• How to Make Bordelaise Sauce? Follow the above steps to create a classic Bordelaise sauce, ensuring you reduce the wine and stock to achieve the right consistency.
• What’s the Taste of Bordelaise Sauce? The sauce has a rich, complex flavor with a hint of sweetness from the red wine and the savory depth from the stock.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or simply want to elevate your steak night, this classic Bordelaise sauce is the perfect accompaniment. With its luxurious taste and simple preparation, it’s a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Try making it at home, and experience the richness of French cuisine right in your kitchen!

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