"kitamaria" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>I am a recovering vegetarian and would like to learn how to cook a
> really good steak. I just bought some new All-Clad cookware hoping
> that better cookware would do the trick. The last time I cooked steak
> (a long time ago) it came out really really tough. After 7 years of
> vegetarianism, I am sure craving a good steak. Any suggestions?

Sure; the first point is to purchase good quality meat and the right cut.
Make sure to purchase a USDA Choice or Prime Grade Steak. I suspect you are
not into the taste of animal fat ergo I would suggest a New York Steak or a
Fillet Mignon, I enjoy a rib steak but it would have more fat than the
others. Salt and pepper the steak about an hour before cooking.

To pan fry the steak do the following: Heat the pan until a drop or water
dances on the surface. Add a small amount of olive oil and then as the
olive oil is heating add about a tablespoon of butter - real butter and add
the steak to the pan. Keep the fire up (high) after 3 or 4 minutes of
cooking gently lift the steak with some tongs and if it is the color you
like turn it over and reduce the heat. I don't know how you like your steak
the amount of time on the 2nd side should govern the doneness. If you have
one use an instant read thermometer about 135 to 140 for Rare.

When the steak is done remove and plate the steak and put the plate and
steak in a warm oven. Deglaze the pan with some red wine and when reduced
in half and turn off the heat and add 2 tablespoons of room temperature
butter. Swirl the butter into the reduced wine until glossy and fully
incorporated. Shallots or garlic or other things can be added but first
time out don't mask the taste of the beef too much.

Pour the sauce over the Steak and enjoy!

Dimitri