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Sizzle & Crunch Steak Salad - Steak salad: master this flavorful recipe featuring juicy strip steak, crispy shallots, and a tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette. Id

Sizzle & Crunch Steak Salad

Steak salad: master this flavorful recipe featuring juicy strip steak, crispy shallots, and a tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette. Ideal for a special dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large shallots (thinly sliced then separated into rings)
  • 2 8-10oz strip steaks (trimmed of excess fat)
  • salt and pepper
  • 5 oz mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries
  • 2 oz goat cheese (crumbled)

Method
 

  1. Place a silpat or parchment paper on the counter. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter to a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium and stir until melted and bubbly. Add pecans, cook while stirring until sugar crystalizes and adheres, 2-4 minutes. Scrape pecans onto parchment, spread, sprinkle with salt, and cool completely.
  2. For the vinaigrette, add ingredients to an airtight container or small bowl. Shake or whisk to combine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. If steaks are thicker than 1-1/2", preheat oven to 400°F.
  4. Meanwhile, line a plate with paper towels. Add 1/4 cup olive oil to a large (10-12") oven-safe, preferably cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half the shallots, pan fry until golden brown (NOT dark brown), 2-3 minutes, stirring often with tongs. Transfer to prepared plate, sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining shallots. Drain excess oil from skillet and return it over heat just below high.
  5. Place seasoned steaks inside the hot skillet. Sear for 3 minutes. Flip, lower heat slightly, and sear for 2 minutes for rare, 3 minutes for medium-rare, or 4 minutes for medium. Remove steaks to a cutting board, rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  6. Divide the lettuce between two plates. Top with sliced steak, candied pecans, fried shallots, dried cherries, and dollops of goat cheese. Drizzle with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette then serve.

Notes

- For the crispiest shallots, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding them, but don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Allow your steak to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- To ensure food safety, cook steaks to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, measured with a meat thermometer, followed by a 3-minute rest.
- Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Candied pecans can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.