The perfect steak Diane is pan fried steak with a creamy tangy sauce with mushrooms and onions. Eating it will transport you into the realm of luxury.

How to cook the perfect steak

A few simple steps will ensure that you get the perfect steak every time.

Choose the right cut

• Sirloin steak – this is the cut most people are familiar with. This comes from the middle back of the cow and is tender and marbled with fat.
• Rib eye steak – is from the rib section of the cow and is very tender with a rich flavour. Pockets of fat can be found though out which give it more flavour.
• T bone steak – cut from the lower part of the cow. It contains a bone with fillet on one side and sirloin on the other. It gives you the best of both worlds but it is harder to cook as the different steaks cook at different rates.
• Fillet steak – often known as the ladies steak, this is cu from just under the middle back. It is very tender but does not have as much flavour.
• Flat iron steak – this steak comes from the shoulder and has a moderate beef flavour. It is great for marinading.
• Rump steak –  cut the rump of the animal and is full of flavour. It is usually a large cut and is lovely and tender.

Cooking  the steak

When cooking steak it is best to choose a heavy duty frying pan with a non-stick coating. This will distribute the heat evenly to the steak giving them a slightly charred taste. Make sure the pan has an even spread of oil and that the oil is hot before you add the steak. The golden rule for cooking steak is to sear it over a really high heat, then cook it until it reaches your liking. Finally the steak should be let to rest for four or five minutes before serving. The meat will relax enhancing the flavour.

A rare steak will take about 2 minutes to cook on each side while a well done steak will need about four to five minutes. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak. You can easily test by prodding the steak with your fingers. A rare steak will feel soft, medium rare will feel bouncy whilst a well done steak will be firm. Be careful not to over cook the steak or it will become tough.

Making the Diane sauce

Diane sauce recipe

The sauce is easy to make. Cut the onions, garlic and mushrooms into small pieces  and fry on a moderate heat until soft. Add some Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to the pan along with any meat juices from the steak. If you wish you can also add a little brandy at this point and turn the heat up high until it burns off. Finally, add the cream and heat the sauce until it is thick. Pour over the steak and serve with any accompaniments. I chose sweet potato fries, celeriac coleslaw, onion rings and grilled mushrooms and tomatoes.

Why not pin the recipe to make later?

What is your favourite way to serve steak? Let me know below.

I was sent a steak selection box to try out and create a recipe. I was not obliged to say anything nice and my opinions are my own.

Read more:

• Maltese Pork and Sausage Stew
• Beef Bourguignon
• Romantic Sausage Recipes