Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe recreates the rich, savory deliciousness of Olive Garden's famous Gorgonzola steak, bringing that upscale dining experience right into your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and utterly irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) steaks (ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin work wonderfully)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a nice brown crust forms. If using garlic, add it to the skillet during the last minute of searing.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven (Optional)
For a perfectly medium-rare to medium steak, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Medium is typically around 140-145°F (60-63°C).
Step 4: Create the Gorgonzola Sauce
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a plate, tenting with foil to keep them warm. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in the crumbled gorgonzola cheese and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the rosemary.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the gorgonzola sauce generously over the steaks. Serve immediately, enjoying every bite of this easy, healthy, and delicious meal.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Steak:
- Let the steak rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space in the pan for the steaks to sear properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before adding the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other creamy cheeses like blue cheese or mascarpone.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of steak and serving size. However, a reasonable estimate per 8oz steak with sauce would be:
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This Olive Garden-inspired Gorgonzola Steak recipe is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine. It's a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!