The Perfect (Whole30) Steak + Marinated Mushrooms and Onions

File this recipe under kitchen basics! Along with things like dicing an onion, making a hard boiled egg, or roasting a chicken, this how to cook a mean steak. I was always intimidated by steak, it seemed impossible to get it right, but I was determined, mostly because I love steak and wanted to eat it more often than the occassional time we were at a steak house.

I started researching the best, easiest, foolproof ways to cook a steak. Most the recipes suggested grilling, but at the time, we were living in a two bed, two bath condo in the city, and grilling wasn’t all that convenient. Then, I was watching a cooking demo, and they were broiling a flank steak. I immediately thought, why couldn’t I just do that with a fillet or ribeye? Turns out, you can! Over the years, I have learned a few other things that have conintued to improve my steak making ability. I’m excited to share them with you!

Tips for the Perfect Steaks:

1. Choose the best steaks your budget allows, and look for the most marbling

2. Salt your steaks as soon as you bring them home from the grocery store, even if you’re not preparing for a day or two (but not if you’re freezing)

3. Be sure your steaks are at room temperature before cooking

4. Keep seasonings simple- I prefer course sea salt and freshly cracked pepper

5. If it’s time to flip, but the steak is stuck to the pan, that means it’s not ready. Give it another 1 minute and try again

6. Let it rest for 10 minutes - this allows the steak to continue cooking, and the juices to be reabsorbed, making it much juicer

Ingredients for steaks: Recipe Inspiration

• 2 steaks

• course sea salt

• cracked red pepper

Directions:

*If you would like more exact cook times, see this handy dandy chart

1. Heat cast iron skillet under highest broil setting for 20 minutes (no need to add oil)

2. Once the skillet is piping hot, carefully sear for 2-3 minutes per side (depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness) I prefer mine medium well *gasp*

3. Turn off broiler, and set oven to 500 degrees F and cook for 2-3 minutes (depends on thickness and desired level of doneness- see above chart)

4. Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes, ideally 10

Ingredients for caramelized mushrooms + onions: Recipe Inspiration

• 1 lb sliced mushrooms (I’ve used either button or cremini)

• 1 medium yellow onion sliced- I like to use my mandolin to ensure the slices are uniform

• 2 T. ghee

• 1 t. coconut amnios

• 1 T. olive oil

• 1 t. garlic powder

• salt + pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat cast iron skillet on medium heat, once warmed, melt the ghee and add the olive oil, mushrooms, onions and large pinch of salt

2. Cook for about 20 minutes until the mushrooms are starting to brown and the onions are translucent and soft

3. Add in the coconut amnios, garlic powder, salt and pepper - the sauce will start to thicken once it’s ready to serve (about 10 minutes more over medium-low heat)

4. Serve with steaks or save for omelettes or a frittata (Check out my simple Whole30 Frittata recipe)