How to Make a Special Steak Dinner

Sirloin steaks, also called NY Strip steaks, cook in only a few minutes.

The secret to making a special steak dinner has two key elements: preparing a delicious steak and doing it as stress-free as possible. Eating steak at home costs significantly less than eating in a restaurant. You can cook the steaks on an outdoor grill or in a cast iron grill on the stove top. Prepare in-season vegetables as side-dishes. Serve the steak with a tannin-rich red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet sauvignon. Cooking a delicious steak makes an easy meal.

Things You'll Need

• Grill
• Cutting board
• Steak knives
• Table setting
• Enough steaks for the amount of people serving
• Vegetable side dish

Instructions

Steak dinner

1. 

   Serve fries with your steak for a French-Bistro inspired meal.

   The secret to making a special steak dinner has two key elements, preparing a delicious steak and doing it as stress-free as possible. Eating steak at home costs significantly less than eating in a restaurant. You can cook the steaks on an outdoor grill or in a cast iron grill on the stove top. Prepare in-season vegetables as side-dishes. Serve the steak with a tannin-rich red wine such as a Merlot or cabernet sauvignon. Cooking a delicious steak makes an easy meal.

2. 

   Ask your wine clerk for help when selecting a wine to go with your steak.

   Decorate the table with a classy table setting. Use a high quality table cloth or place mats. Light some candles. Break out the best dinner plates and silverware you have. Place wine glasses on the table. Remember to set the table with steak knives.

3. Choose a beef cut that remains tender when grilled. Ask your butcher to specially cut the meat to your desired thickness. Purchase grass-fed beef if you can afford it. The meat will have a flavor with more depth than conventionally raised meat. Choose sirloin steak, prime rib steak or fillet Mignon.

4. Prepare the sides such as potatoes, spinach and a salad. Make an easy side dish by sautéing onions and mushrooms. Roast potatoes, carrots and fennel for a simple dish you can leave in the oven while your guests arrive.

5. Make the steak at the last moment. Allow the meat to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Drizzle the meat with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.

6. Heat the grill or skillet. Place the steak on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for five minutes each side, depending on desired doneness. Rare steaks only need a minutes. Wait for juices to come up out of the top of the steak for or medium and medium well.

7. Allow the steak to rest while covered with aluminum foil. Serve on a serving platter or plate in the kitchen and bring to the table.

Tips & Warnings

• The steak should be the only item that you prepare at the last minute. Have everything else prepared before your guest or guests arrive.

• Use kosher or sea salt.

• Only use freshly cracked pepper.

• Do not turn the steak more than once.

• Do not poke or cut open the steak while cooking.

• Carefully wash your hands and kitchen equipment when handling raw meat.

References

• Dinner Party Planning Site: Steak Dinner Party
• Good Housekeeping: 17 Easy Steak Recipes
• Benjamin Christie: How to Cook the Perfect Steak