Whiskey-Maple Glazed Fullblood Wagyu Steak with Smashed Potatoes

Directions

1. Tools - Large Cast Iron Skillet, Small Stainless Steel Saucepan, Pastry Brush, Large Saute Pan, Medium Size Bowl, Parchment Paper, Baking Sheet
2. FIRST STEPS Take the Fullblood Wagyu teres major (chuck tender) filets out of the freezer, and place them in the refrigerator 24 hours before starting this recipe. Pull the steaks from the refrigerator. Remove them from the packaging, and place them on a plate. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
3. PREPARING THE SMASHED POTATOES (PART 1) Preheat the over to 400°F. In a medium size bowl, toss the fingerling potatoes with the grapeseed oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lay whole sprigs of thyme and rosemary on top. Bake for 25 minutes or until potatoes are softened. Discard the fresh herbs, and let the potatoes cool for 30 minutes. NOTE: You will finish the potatoes later in the recipe.
4. PREPARING THE GLAZE Combine the water, maple syrup, and white sugar in a small stainless steel saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid for 3 minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the lid, and wait until mixture turns a dark amber color. Remove from the heat. Add in the apple cider vinegar, whiskey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place the saucepan back on medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture has reduced and slightly thickened. This is your glaze.
5. PREPARING THE FULLBLOOD WAGYU STEAKS Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Season the Fullblood Wagyu steaks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Once the skillet is slightly smoking, place the beef in the pan to sear. Sear on all sides for 2 minutes per side. Turn off the heat (keep the steaks in the skillet). Use a pastry brush to glaze the seared steaks with the whiskey-maple glaze. Pour the remaining whiskey-maple glaze into the skillet with the steaks. Place the skillet in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. Be sure to turn the beef in the skillet every 2 minutes in order to distribute the glaze. Let the cooked steak rest for 10 minutes, and reserve the whiskey-maple sauce from the skillet. Finish the potatoes while the steak is resting.
6. PREPARING THE SMASHED POTATOES (PART 2) Once the potatoes have cooled, use the bottom of a small drinking glass to smash the potatoes. Smash them until they are a half inch thick but still holding their shape (not crumbling). Heat a large saute pan on medium-high heat with 1 inch of vegetable oil. Once the oil is at 360°F, fry the smashed potatoes for 1-2 minutes until they are golden. Place the potatoes onto a sheet lined with paper towels to drain. Sprinkle the smashed and fried potatoes with kosher salt.
7. FINAL STEPS Slice the rested steaks into 1/2 inch slices against the grain. Serve the slices of steak warm with the whiskey-maple sauce from the skillet. Pair the beef with the smashed potatoes. Serve, and enjoy!