Creamy Mushroom Steak

🥩 Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the Steaks:

• 2 ribeye or strip steaks (1–1½ inches thick)

• Salt (about 1 tsp)

• Freshly ground black pepper (½–1 tsp)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup beef broth

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Steamed broccoli

• Extra sautéed mushrooms

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Steaks

1. Remove steaks from the fridge 30–40 minutes before cooking.

2. Pat them dry with paper towels (very important for a good sear).

3. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2️⃣ Sear the Steaks

1. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.

2. Add olive oil. When hot and shimmering, add steaks.

3. Sear for:

   • 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare)

   • 4–5 minutes per side (medium)

4. Add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme during the last 2 minutes.

5. Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over the steaks repeatedly (basting).

6. Remove steaks and let rest on a plate for 10 minutes (do not skip this!).

3️⃣ Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan (don’t clean it!), reduce heat to medium.

2. Add 1 tbsp butter.

3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and soft.

4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.

5. Pour in beef broth and scrape up brown bits (flavor gold!).

6. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

7. Add heavy cream and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.

8. Stir in Parmesan and Dijon (if using).

9. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

10. Let simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon.

4️⃣ Assemble

• Place rested steaks back into the pan.

• Spoon sauce over the top.

• Simmer 1–2 minutes just to warm through.

• Garnish with fresh thyme.

🌡 Steak Doneness Guide

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)

• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)

• Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)

• Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)

(Remember temperature rises ~5°F while resting.)

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Roasted vegetables

• Steamed broccoli

• Buttered pasta

• Crusty bread (to soak up that sauce!)

💡 Pro Tips for Restaurant Quality

✔ Always dry the steak before searing
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Let the sauce reduce naturally (don’t rush it)
✔ Resting the steak keeps it juicy