Herbed Sauce French Steak

Ingredients (serves 3):

• 9g BBQ tea seasoning (either black tea or green tea, adds subtle smoky aroma and enhances flavor)
• 500g beef steak (ribeye or sirloin, about 1.5-2cm thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced shallots
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: microgreens or extra fresh herbs

Method:

Prepare the Steak:

1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ tea seasoning with salt and black pepper. Season both sides of the steak generously with the tea seasoning mixture. Let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the steak to come to an even temperature.

Sear the Steak:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms.
2. Add butter, garlic, and shallots to the pan. Continue to cook the steak, basting it with the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook to your desired doneness (medium-rare is recommended for tenderness).
3. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Make the Herbed Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Stir for a minute to release the flavors.
2. Add Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir well to combine.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve:

1. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin slices. Arrange the slices on a serving plate.
2. Spoon the herbed sauce over the steak slices. Garnish with microgreens or extra fresh herbs if desired.
3. Serve immediately with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.

Chef's Notes:

• The BBQ tea seasoning adds a subtle smoky aroma and enhances the natural flavors of the steak without overpowering the dish.
• For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce towards the end.
• Leftovers? Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of beef broth to keep the steak moist and flavorful. Perfect for next-day lunches!
• A simple yet elegant dish that showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the harmony of tender steak, aromatic herbed sauce, and the unique depth from the BBQ tea seasoning!