Author Notes
I've made versions of this recipe several times since it was first published in the Washington Post; the sweet and tangy cherries are a perfect foil for the steak, and mustard gives it a real kick. While I usually start the steak on a hot stove and finish it under the broiler, this time I skipped the stove entirely and moved the broiler pan closer to the flame, which helped develop a crust on the meat. You can make this with any steak, but I've had success with "minute" (cube) steaks and ribeyes. For a 1-inch steak, allow 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. —Rivka
Ingredients
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1/4 cup
red wine vinegar
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1/2 cup
water
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1/2 cup
dry red wine
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1/2 cup
tart dried cherries
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1/4 cup
sugar
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2
medium red onions
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2
medium shallots
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1.5-2 pounds
top-round minute steak, cut into serving-size pieces
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1 tablespoon
dijon mustard
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salt and pepper
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2 tablespoons
olive oil
Directions
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Set a rack 3 inches from your broiler and preheat. In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine the vinegar, water, red wine, dried cherries and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and let rest for 3 minutes.
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Meanwhile, dice the shallots and cut the onions into rings about 1/4 inch thick. Season the beef generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
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At this point, you have two choices, You can either transfer the cherry mixture to a blender or food processor and puree to form a thick, almost-smooth sauce, or you can skip if you prefer a chunkier texture. Either way, add the mustard and pulse or stir to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pat steaks very, very dry, and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Transfer to pre-heated broiler pan and broil until medium rare, 4-5 minutes per side for 1-inch steaks.
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While steaks are cooking, heat one tablespoons of olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add second tablespoon of olive oil and onion rings, and cook, stirring regularly, until golden, about 5 minutes.
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At this point, if not before, steaks should have finished. Remove pan from broiler and transfer steaks to a cutting board, reserving any juices that have collected. Tent steaks with foil and let rest.
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Add cherry mixture to onions and stir to combine. Add any collected juices from steaks as well. Turn heat to medium-high and cook about 3 minutes, until sauce comes together. Serve steaks with several spoonfuls of sauce on top, and plenty of mashed potatoes, spaetzel, or something else for sopping up the extra juices.
I'm a healthcare consultant by day, food blogger by night, and I make a mean veggie chili. I'm eat a mostly-vegetarian diet, but have a soft spot for meat, especially braised short ribs. And this profile wouldn't be complete without an admission that I absolutely am addicted to cookies and chocolate. Finally, I love the idea of food52 and can't wait to share and read my and others' favorite recipes!
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