Savory Grilled Steak With Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter
The memory still makes my mouth water: standing in the bustling aisle of our local grocery store, the air thick with the aroma of sizzling steak. A chef, clad in a crisp white coat, offered a sample, a tiny morsel of perfectly grilled steak crowned with a pungent, creamy butter. It was an explosion of flavor – the rich, savory steak, the sharp tang of bleu cheese, the comforting warmth of garlic butter. That single bite transformed my understanding of what steak could be. It was simple, yes, but utterly unforgettable, and it’s a flavor combination I’ve been chasing ever since.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Type: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bleu Cheese Butter:
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon other seasoning salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Steak:
- 4 petite filet mignon steaks (about 6 ounces each)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
- Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or blender
- Large dish for marinating
- Grill
Instructions
- Prepare the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter: In a food processor or blender, combine the softened butter, chopped garlic, thyme, and seasoning (either onion powder or garlic powder along with steak seasoning or seasoning salt).
- Process until smooth: Pulse or blend the ingredients until they are fully combined into a creamy paste.
- Add the Blue Cheese: Add the crumbled blue cheese to the food processor or blender.
- Pulse to Combine: Pulse gently, leaving some small chunks of blue cheese for added texture and flavor. Do not over-process, as you want to maintain some distinct blue cheese crumbles.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter to a small container. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up slightly.
- Prepare the Steak Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the seasoning salt, chopped garlic, black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir to create a marinade paste.
- Marinate the Steaks: Place the filet mignon steaks in a large dish. Spread the marinade evenly over both sides of the steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
- Marinating Time: Allow the steaks to marinate for 10 minutes, turning them once halfway through to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Discard the Marinade: After marinating, discard the remaining marinade. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels; this will help them sear properly on the grill.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Spray the grill grates with cooking spray to prevent the steaks from sticking.
- Grill the Steaks: Place the marinated filet mignon steaks on the preheated grill.
- Cooking Time: Grill the steaks for approximately 6 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks. For medium-rare, grill for 4-5 minutes per side; for medium-well, grill for 7-8 minutes per side.
- Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Serve with Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter: While the steaks are resting, remove the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter from the refrigerator. Top each steak with approximately 1 tablespoon of the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a luscious and flavorful sauce.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Softening the Butter: Ensure the butter is properly softened before making the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter. This will make it easier to blend and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. If you forget to take it out in advance, microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until just softened, being careful not to melt it.
- Blue Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of blue cheese. A creamy Gorgonzola will result in a milder flavor, while a sharp Roquefort will add a bolder, more intense tang.
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks are cooked to your desired doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. Here are some guidelines:
- Rare: 125-130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-145°F
- Medium-Well: 145-155°F
- Well-Done: 155°F and above
- Flavor Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the steak marinade.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve the grilled steak immediately while hot, topped with the generous dollop of Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter. A side of roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes complements the richness of the steak beautifully.
Leftover Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2 months). Thaw in the refrigerator before using. Leftover steak should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consumed within 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 145.5 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 132 g | 91% |
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 46% |
| Cholesterol | 38.9 mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 258.6 mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.2 g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Variations & Substitutions
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter. Try fresh rosemary, chives, or parsley for a unique twist.
- Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try using crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese instead.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter for a touch of heat.
- Marinade Alternatives: If you don’t have soy sauce on hand, you can substitute it with Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Absolutely! While filet mignon is a tender and flavorful choice, you can also use ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Q: How do I prevent the steaks from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled or sprayed with cooking spray. Also, ensure the grill is properly preheated before adding the steaks.
Q: Can I cook the steaks in a pan instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can cook the steaks in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and cook to your desired doneness.
Q: What can I do with leftover Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter?
A: Leftover Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter is delicious on grilled chicken, baked potatoes, or toasted bread.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Savory Grilled Steak with Bleu Cheese Garlic Butter is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of tender, perfectly grilled steak and the pungent, creamy butter is truly unforgettable. I encourage you to give it a try and share your own experiences with it. Pair it with a bold red wine and some simple sides for an unforgettable dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination. Bon appétit!