Steak Recipes – Simple and Family Friendly

A good steak starts with a good cut. Choose a sirloin for this recipe.

The sauce makes the difference. Cognac adds a deep, complex flavor that's hard to beat.

You'll need only six ingredients. No fancy tools or hard-to-find items.

About the Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into 6 even portions

Sirloin is lean but still juicy. If you can't find it, try ribeye or tenderloin.

2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

Olive oil adds a mild flavor. You can use butter or avocado oil instead.

1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter

Butter helps create a golden crust. Use a compound butter if you want extra flavor.

2 tbsp (30ml) cognac

Cognac adds a deep flavor. If you avoid alcohol, use beef broth or brandy.

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky texture. If you don't have it, use whole milk.

1/4 tsp (1g) salt

Salt enhances the flavor of the steak. Adjust to taste after cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the steak

Pat the steak dry. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps the crust form.

2. Heat the pan

Preheat a skillet to 450°F (230°C). Add oil and let it shimmer before placing the steak in.

3. Sear the steak

Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side. The edges should be golden brown and firm.

4. Add the cognac

Pour in the cognac and let it bubble for a minute. This deglazes the pan and adds flavor.

5. Make the sauce

Add the cream and stir. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Finish the sauce

Stir in the butter until it melts. The sauce will become smooth and glossy.

7. Rest the steak

Remove the steak and rest it on a plate. This lets the juices redistribute for a better texture.

8. Serve the dish

Pour the sauce over the steak. Serve immediately with sides like roasted potatoes or green salad.

How to Store Steak Recipes

Delicious Variations

• Try using a different cut like ribeye for more marbling.
• Replace cognac with brandy or skip it and use beef broth.
• Add a splash of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a sharper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try this recipe and see how it turns out. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make something feel special.

Steak Recipes

French Seared Steak with Cognac Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful dish that's easy to make with just a few ingredients.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, cut into 6 even portions
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp (30ml) cognac
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp (1g) salt

📋 Instructions

1. 1Season the steak — Pat the steak dry. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps the crust form.
2. 2Heat the pan — Preheat a skillet to 450°F (230°C). Add oil and let it shimmer before placing the steak in.
3. 3Sear the steak — Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side. The edges should be golden brown and firm.
4. 4Add the cognac — Pour in the cognac and let it bubble for a minute. This deglazes the pan and adds flavor.
5. 5Make the sauce — Add the cream and stir. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. 6Finish the sauce — Stir in the butter until it melts. The sauce will become smooth and glossy.
7. 7Rest the steak — Remove the steak and rest it on a plate. This lets the juices redistribute for a better texture.
8. 8Serve the dish — Pour the sauce over the steak. Serve immediately with sides like roasted potatoes or green salad.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: Use a sharp knife to slice the steak. It makes the meat look better and taste better.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: French

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes55 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat