Description
Ghost Pepper Steak with Haunted Bourbon Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
2 ribeye steaks
1 tsp ghost pepper seasoning
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup bourbon
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Preparation:
Coat steaks with ghost pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook steaks to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
Add bourbon and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, then stir in heavy cream. Cook until thick.
Top steaks with the creamy bourbon sauce and serve hot.
Description:
With a kick of ghost pepper and a creamy bourbon twist, this steak will dazzle your taste buds. A true show-stopper!
#BoldAndCreamy
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pat the ribeye steaks completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a perfect sear.
2. Generously coat all sides of the steaks with ghost pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
3. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
4. Carefully add the steaks. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired internal temperature is reached. Avoid moving them to develop a good crust.
5. Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest.
6. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the bourbon and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
7. Let the bourbon simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw alcohol flavor.
8. Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Pour the Haunted Bourbon Cream Sauce over the rested steaks and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Balance the intense heat and richness of this dish with simple, cooling sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a crispy potato galette are perfect for soaking up the sauce. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. For vegetables, try roasted asparagus or grilled corn on the cob.
How-to Summary
Season steaks with ghost pepper spice, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet to desired doneness and set aside to rest. Deglaze the pan with bourbon and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer with heavy cream until thickened. Pour the creamy sauce over the rested steaks and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, New York strip or filet mignon work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How can I make the sauce less spicy? Reduce the ghost pepper seasoning by half or use a milder chili powder blend. You can always add more heat at the table.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the bourbon? Use a high-quality beef broth mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or maple syrup to mimic the depth and sweetness.
Why is my sauce too thin? Simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. For a quicker fix, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
How long should I rest the steak? Let it rest for at least 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cold steaks to the pan: This causes uneven cooking. Always let them come to room temperature first.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Cook steaks one at a time if necessary to ensure a proper sear, not a steam.
- Skipping the deglazing step: Those browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor and are essential for the sauce.
- Not letting the bourbon cook: Simmer it to burn off the harsh alcohol taste, leaving only the complex flavor.
- Slicing the steak immediately: Cutting too soon will release all the precious juices onto the plate, not in your steak.
Conclusion
This Ghost Pepper Steak with Haunted Bourbon Cream Sauce is an unforgettable culinary experience that masterfully balances fiery heat with luxurious, savory cream. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to impress. The bold flavors and dramatic presentation make it perfect for a special occasion or whenever you want to elevate your dinner game. Don’t forget to share your #BoldAndCreamy creation!
