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December 10, 2024
When it comes to hearty and comforting meals, smothered steak is a classic choice. This dish consists of tender steak, cooked to perfection, and smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal, learning how to cook smothered steak is a skill worth mastering.
The key to a successful smothered steak lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation. It starts with selecting the right cut of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, which should be well-marbled and tender. To enhance the flavor of the steak, season it generously with salt and pepper.
The next step is searing the steak in a hot skillet to create a beautiful crust. This helps to lock in the juices and add depth of flavor. After the steak is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This allows the meat to relax and ensures that it will be tender and juicy when served.
Now, it’s time to prepare the smothering sauce. This sauce typically includes ingredients like onions, garlic, mushrooms, and beef broth. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, then add the mushrooms and cook until they are browned. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finally, return the seared steak to the skillet and spoon the smothering sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let the steak cook in the sauce until it reaches your desired level of doneness. This will further infuse the steak with the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a truly delicious and tender dish.
To serve, transfer the smothered steak to a plate and spoon some of the sauce over the top. This dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. With its rich flavors and tender meat, smothered steak is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to Make Smothered Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Smothered steak is a classic dish that is full of flavor and sure to satisfy your taste buds. This simple yet delicious recipe combines tender cuts of steak with a rich and savory gravy, creating a hearty meal. Follow these steps to make smothered steak at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef steak (such as sirloin or round steak)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the steak. Trim any excess fat and cut the steak into individual serving-sized pieces.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Return the steak to the skillet, along with any juices that may have accumulated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the steak is tender.
- Once the steak is tender, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Increase the heat to medium and simmer the gravy for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Optional step: For a thicker gravy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Finally, serve the smothered steak with the gravy spooned over the top. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade smothered steak!
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
Choosing the right cut of meat is essential when cooking smothered steak. The texture, tenderness, and flavor of the steak can vary depending on the cut you choose. Here are some popular cuts of meat that work well for smothered steak:
1. Ribeye
Ribeye is a popular cut of meat known for its rich marbling and flavor. It is tender and juicy, making it an excellent choice for smothered steak. The high fat content in ribeye helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
2. T-Bone
T-Bone steak is a flavorful cut that consists of two parts: tenderloin and strip steak. The tenderloin is more tender and less marbled, while the strip steak has more flavor and marbling. Both parts can be used for smothered steak, depending on your preference.
3. Sirloin
Sirloin is a versatile cut that is leaner compared to ribeye and T-bone. It has good flavor and tenderness, especially when cooked to medium-rare or medium. Smothered sirloin steak can be a delicious and healthier option.
4. Chuck Steak
Chuck steak is a budget-friendly option that is suitable for smothered steak. It comes from the shoulder area and has more fat content, resulting in a flavorful and tender meat when cooked low and slow.
Remember to choose cuts of meat that are well-marbled and have a good balance of fat and muscle. This will ensure that your smothered steak is deliciously tender and full of flavor.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start cooking smothered steak, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
| 2 pounds of beef sirloin steak |
| 1 teaspoon of salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper |
| 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder |
| 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour |
| 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil |
| 1 medium onion, sliced |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 2 cups of beef broth |
| 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce |
| 1 tablespoon of cornstarch |
| 1/4 cup of cold water |
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting the cooking process.
Preparing the Steak
Before you begin cooking your smothered steak, you’ll need to prepare the meat to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Start by selecting a high-quality cut of steak, such as ribeye or New York strip. Look for steaks that have a good amount of marbling, as this will help keep the meat tender and flavorful.
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly.
- While the steak is warming up, season it with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasonings or spices that you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and let it heat up.
- Place the seasoned steak in the hot pan and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will help develop a nice crust on the outside of the steak.
- Once both sides of the steak are seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Now that the steak is seared, you’re ready to move on to the next step of the recipe, which is smothering the steak in a delicious gravy.
By following these steps to prepare your steak, you’ll ensure that it is flavorful and perfectly cooked when it comes time to smother it in the rich gravy.
Cooking the Steak
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the smothered steak to the skillet.
2. Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
3. While the steak is cooking, make sure to spoon the gravy over the top of the steak occasionally to keep it moist and flavorful.
4. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter.
5. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the juices redistribute and make for a more tender steak.
6. Serve the smothered steak with the remaining gravy drizzled over the top, and enjoy!
Smothering the Steak with Sauce
Once your steak is seared and cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to smother it with a delicious sauce. The sauce will not only enhance the flavor of the steak but also add moisture to keep it juicy and tender. Here’s how to smother the steak with sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until it forms a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce while whisking continuously.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the steak to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the steak to absorb the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
| Level of Doneness | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Rare | 2-3 minutes per side |
| Medium-rare | 3-4 minutes per side |
| Medium | 4-5 minutes per side |
| Medium-well | 5-6 minutes per side |
| Well done | 6-7 minutes per side |
Now that your steak is smothered with a flavorful sauce, it’s ready to be served. Pair it with some mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a delicious meal!
FAQ
What is smothered steak?
Smothered steak is a dish where the meat is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, often made with onions, mushrooms, and sometimes tomatoes. The meat is usually browned before being simmered in the sauce to enhance its flavor.
What are the best cuts of steak for smothering?
The best cuts of steak for smothering are the tougher and cheaper cuts that benefit from slow cooking. Some popular choices include chuck steak, round steak, and flank steak.
How do you cook smothered steak?
To cook smothered steak, you will first need to brown the steak in a hot skillet. Then, remove the steak from the skillet and sauté onions, mushrooms, and any other desired vegetables in the same pan. Return the steak to the skillet, add your choice of liquid (such as beef broth or red wine), and cook covered on low heat for several hours until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I use a slow cooker to cook smothered steak?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker to cook smothered steak. Simply follow the same steps of browning the steak and sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with your choice of liquid. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
What can I serve with smothered steak?
Smothered steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
What is smothered steak?
Smothered steak is a dish made with tender cuts of steak that are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. The steak is first seared to lock in the juices, then simmered in a savory sauce until it becomes tender and delicious.