Gordon Ramsay Cooks Up a Simple Steak Dinner with Fries!

Gordon Ramsay Cooks Up a Simple Steak Dinner with Fries!

RECIPE

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 x 8oz steaks, hanger, skirt or flat iron

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons cold cubed butter

2 sprigs rosemary

2 sprigs thyme

1 clove garlic, smashed

Shoestring fries

2 large potatoes

Canola oil or vegetable oil for deep frying 

Peppercorn sauce

1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed

Olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 

1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

¼ cup brandy or cognac 

½ cup beef stock or veal stock

¼ cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon cold cubed butter

Method

1. Remove the steak from the fridge half an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.

2. Peel the potatoes then cut into thin, even matchsticks (use a julienne peeler or mandolin to keep the fries even).

3. Heat the oil for frying to 300F. Cook the fries for 2 minutes until pale golden and beginning to crisp, then remove from the oil and drain. Increase the oil temperature to 350F.

4. Heat a little oil in heavy skillet overt a high heat and season the steak generously. Sear the steak on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Add the butter, rosemary, thyme and smashed garlic and baste the steak for 2 minutes. Transfer to a rack and leave to rest for 7-8 minutes.

5. For the sauce, toast the crushed peppercorns in a hot skillet for a minute until fragrant then tip into a bowl. Heat a little oil with the butter in the same pan, then add the shallot and garlic and fry for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the toasted peppercorns and brandy and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. 

6. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil and reduce by half. Pour in the cream, cook for a further 2-3 minutes, then whisk in the cold butter.

7. Drop the fries back into the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes until crisp. Drain, then season with salt.

8. Slice the steak across the grain then serve with the fries and peppercorn sauce.