20 small fingerling potatoes, washed and cut in half
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Olive oil
2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 medium yellow onions, halved and sliced
12 to 15 large button mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces dark beer, your favorite or what you have on hand
2 thick steaks, any cut, 3/4 to 1 pound each
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potatoes with salt and olive oil, and spread on a baking sheet or metal pan. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned.
Use the dry method for quickly caramelizing onions by placing the onions, along with a pinch of salt and a dash of oil, in a medium-sized sauté pan over medium-high heat. Caramelize the onions (you can see how right here) and transfer to a plate when done.
Return the pan to the stove over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the mushrooms, stir to coat with the oil, and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then add half the beer.
Bring the beer to a simmer and cook, stirring the mushrooms occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Transfer the onions back to the pan, and pour in the remaining beer. Continue stirring over medium heat until sauce has reduced and thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, like a cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 4 1/2 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 1/2 minutes on the other side. This will cook the steaks to medium-rare; cook a minute or two longer on each side if you like your steaks more well done. Remove from pan and rest, covered with foil on a cutting board, for 5 minutes.
Check the potatoes. If tops are browned and potatoes are tender, take the tray from the oven and sprinkle blue cheese on top of each one. Place back in oven, on a lower rack, and turn to broil. Continue cooking for additional 5 minutes. Reheat mushrooms and onions, if necessary, plate them on top of the steak. Remove potatoes from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can finish it in the oven after searing each side.
This recipe has been updated - originally published February 2012.