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Steak Diane Recipe: Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner with Cognac Sauce

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Steak Diane is a classic steakhouse dish featuring tender beef steaks pan-seared and served with a rich, creamy cognac sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, coming together in under 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 beef tenderloin steaks (about 6 oz each, 1-inch thick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced (about 2 tbsp)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cognac (or brandy)
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup beef stock (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black peppercorns (optional, for a peppery kick)

Instructions

  1. Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter; swirl until butter melts and foams.
  3. Add steaks to skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 3-4 minutes per side for medium. Steaks should develop a rich brown crust.
  4. Transfer steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  5. Add diced shallot and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until golden and soft (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Pour in cognac. Optional: Carefully ignite with a long lighter to flambé; flames will disappear in about 30 seconds. If not flambéing, simmer until mostly evaporated.
  7. Stir in Dijon mustard, beef stock, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens and mushrooms are coated.
  8. Return steaks and any juices to the pan. Spoon sauce over top and simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
  9. Remove steaks to plates. Stir in chopped parsley and remaining 1 tbsp butter to sauce. Spoon sauce over steaks. Garnish with extra parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Let steaks come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Use a heavy pan for best sear. Flambéing is optional but adds dramatic flavor; always use caution. Sauce can be adjusted for consistency by simmering longer or adding more cream/stock. Substitute beef tenderloin with sirloin or ribeye for a budget-friendly option. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan margarine. Leftovers keep well and sauce flavor deepens overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak diane, cognac sauce, valentine's day dinner, easy steak recipe, pan-seared steak, classic steakhouse, beef tenderloin, date night recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/steak-diane-recipe-easy-valentines-day-dinner-with-cognac-sauce/