### **Juicy Steak with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home**
#### **Introduction**
A perfectly cooked **juicy steak** paired with a **creamy garlic sauce** is the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers. This dish combines tender, flavorful steak with a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and herbs—simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions.
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### **Origin & Cultural Significance**
– **Steak:** A global favorite, steak has roots in European and American cuisine, often associated with luxury and celebration.
– **Creamy Garlic Sauce:** Inspired by French cuisine (similar to **sauce à l’ail**), this sauce elevates the steak with its bold, aromatic flavor.
– **Modern Appeal:** A staple in steakhouses, this dish represents comfort and sophistication in one plate.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity**
*(Serves 2)*
#### **For the Steak:**
– **2 ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon steaks (1–1.5 inches thick)**
– **2 tbsp olive oil or butter**
– **Salt & black pepper to taste**
– **1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)**
#### **For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:**
– **3 tbsp butter**
– **4 garlic cloves, minced**
– **1 cup heavy cream**
– **½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)**
– **1 tsp Dijon mustard**
– **½ tsp thyme or rosemary (fresh or dried)**
– **¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for richness)**
– **Salt & pepper to taste**
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### **Optional Additions & Variations**
– **Spicy Kick:** Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
– **Herb Boost:** Stir in fresh parsley or chives at the end.
– **Mushroom Twist:** Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
– **Wine Depth:** Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding cream.
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### **Tips for Success**
**Room-Temperature Steak:** Let steak sit out 30 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
**High Searing:** Get a perfect crust by using a hot cast-iron or stainless steel pan.
**Rest the Steak:** Allow it to rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
**Low & Slow Sauce:** Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **1. Cook the Steak:**
1. Pat steaks dry and season generously with **salt, pepper, and paprika**.
2. Heat **oil or butter** in a pan over **high heat**.
3. Sear steaks **3–4 minutes per side** for medium-rare (adjust for preference).
4. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and rest.
#### **2. Make the Sauce:**
1. In the same pan, melt **butter** over medium heat.
2. Add **garlic**, sauté for **30 seconds** until fragrant.
3. Pour in **broth** and **cream**, stirring to scrape up browned bits.
4. Add **mustard, herbs, and Parmesan** (if using). Simmer **3–5 minutes** until thickened.
5. Season with **salt & pepper**.
#### **3. Serve:**
– Slice steak against the grain, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with herbs.
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### **Description**
This dish features a **perfectly seared steak** with a caramelized crust and pink, juicy center, smothered in a **luxuriously creamy garlic sauce**. The sauce is velvety with a punch of garlic, balanced by herbs and a hint of tang from mustard.
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### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving)**
– **Calories:** ~750 kcal
– **Protein:** 45g
– **Carbs:** 6g
– **Fat:** 60g
– **Fiber:** 1g
*(Nutrition varies based on steak cut and sauce adjustments.)*
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### **Conclusion & Recommendation**
A **restaurant-worthy meal** that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Pair with:
– **Garlic mashed potatoes** or roasted veggies.
– **A bold red wine** (Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec).
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
For a lighter version:
– **Leaner Cuts:** Use filet mignon or flank steak.
– **Lighter Sauce:** Substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt or milk.
– **Veggie Side:** Serve with steamed asparagus or a fresh salad.
**Try These Twists:**
**Lemon-Herb:** Add lemon zest to the sauce for brightness.
**Dairy-Free:** Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.