A Guide to Perfectly Cooking a Steak and Potato Gratin
Cooked Steak With Simple Sear
Bring your culinary skills to the next level with this straightforward guide to preparing a tantalizing pan-seared New York strip steak and delectable potato gratin side dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this effortless meal!
The Star of the Show: Pan-Seared New York Strip Steak
Getting started:- Allow the steak to warm up to room temperature for optimal cooking.- Pat the steak dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
Boost the flavor:- Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.- Prepare your pan: Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until sizzling hot. Drizzle in some oil.
Technique for the perfect sear:- Carefully place the steak in the pan and wait 2-3 minutes for a delicious crust to form on the bottom.- Flip the steak after the first side is seared, and follow these guidelines for your desired doneness: - Rare: Cook for 1 minute less on each side. - Medium: Cook for 1-2 minutes more. - Medium-well: Cook for 1-2 minutes longer.- To check doneness, test the steak by gently pressing the center: it should remain slightly soft. You can also use a thermometer - aim for approximately 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare.- Once cooked to your liking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
A Potato Gratin to Compliment Your Masterpiece
Two enticing options for irresistible potato gratins:
Option 1: Traditional Oven-Baked Gratin
Ingredients:- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced- 2 cups heavy cream- 2 cups whole milk- 4 cloves garlic, smashed- 2 thyme sprigs- Knob of unsalted butter, for greasing- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, coarsely shredded- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions:1. Infuse Cream and Milk: Combine cream, milk, garlic, and thyme sprigs, heating over medium-high until simmering. Let it steep off the heat for 30 minutes, then strain out solids.2. Cooking Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly and let them sit at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook sliced potatoes in the strained cream mixture over medium-high heat until just tender, about 4-5 minutes.3. Layering: Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish. Layer a third of the potatoes, cream mixture, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Repeat twice more, ending with cheese on top.4. Baking: Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
Option 2: Quick Parboiled and Baked Gratin
Ingredients:- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced 1/8-inch thick- 1 cup whole milk- 1 cup heavy cream- 2 garlic cloves, minced- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions:1. Parboil Potatoes: Place sliced potatoes in cold water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, cook for exactly 4 minutes, then drain and pat dry.2. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).3. Warm Cream Mixture: Combine milk, cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and warm over low heat until steaming.4. Layering and Baking: Arrange parboiled potato slices in a buttered dish, overlapping slightly. Add half the cream mixture and half the Gruyère. Repeat once, finishing with cream and Gruyère on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
Serve up your elegant pan-seared New York strip steak alongside a delightful potato gratin, and perhaps a fresh green salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy!
- For the pan-seared New York strip steak, ensure it reaches the right temperature before cooking by allowing it to warm up to room temperature before starting.
- To enhance the steak's unique flavor, season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before searing.
- The secret to achieving a perfect sear is to heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it's sizzling hot, then drizzle in some oil and carefully place the steak in the pan.
- To ensure your steak is nutritionally balanced, prepare a potato gratin as a side dish by following either the traditional oven-baked gratin or the quick parboiled and baked gratin recipe.
