Ribeye Steak with French Onions combines the richness of a perfectly seared ribeye steak with the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized French onions, reminiscent of French onion soup. This dish is indulgent and elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- For the ribeye steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- For the French onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for enhanced caramelization)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry (optional for added depth)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional for a touch of acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- For topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for a French onion soup-style finish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Caramelize the onions:
- Start with the onions:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and the sugar (if using). Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Deglaze the onions:
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the white wine (or sherry) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down for a couple of minutes.
- Add the beef broth and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the onions are jammy and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the onions aside and keep warm.
Cook the ribeye steaks:
- Prepare the steaks:
- Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the steaks:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Carefully add the steaks to the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust time for your preferred doneness).
- In the last minute of cooking, add the butter, garlic cloves, and thyme sprigs to the pan. Baste the steaks with the melted butter using a spoon to enhance the flavor.
- Rest the steaks:
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more flavorful and juicy.
Assemble and serve:
- Finish the dish:
- Place the rested ribeye steaks on a serving plate and spoon the caramelized French onions over the top. If you want a French onion soup-inspired touch, sprinkle some grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the onions and briefly broil the steaks in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the steaks with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a green salad.
Optional Sides:
- French baguette slices for soaking up the onion sauce.
- Mashed potatoes for a creamy complement to the rich onions and steak.
This dish has all the indulgent flavors of a French onion soup paired with a succulent ribeye steak. The combination of sweet onions and savory beef is sure to impress! Let me know if you’d like more ideas or side suggestions!