Pan-Seared Steak Pizzaiola

Serves 4

To learn more, read:
One Marinara Sauce, Many Meals
by Nancy Verde Barr
from Fine Cooking
Issue 63
Last Edit Date: 2/4/2013 10:44:17 AM

A basic and versatile marinara sauce makes authentic Italian cooking a breeze—even on a weeknight. A hefty dash of chile flakes punch up the tomato flavor, and the sauce freezes well, so you can pull some out of the freezer and make this quick dish even quicker.

more about:

2 rib-eye steaks (about 12 oz. each and 1 inch thick), trimmed of excess fat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. unsalted butter; more as needed
1 Tbs. olive oil; more as needed
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry red wine (I use whatever I’ll be drinking with the meal, such as Chianti, Montepulciano, or Barbera)
2 cups Marinara Sauce
1 to 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Cut each steak in half (to get four steaks) and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a 12-inch heavy frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re well softened and translucent but not browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the onions to a large plate with a slotted spoon. If there isn’t much fat left in the pan, add another 1/2 Tbs. each of butter and oil.

Increase the heat to medium high. Put the steaks in the pan and sear until deeply browned on both sides and medium rare (cut into one to check), 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the plate with the onions.

Pour the wine into the pan. As it comes to a boil, deglaze the pan juices by scraping the bottom of the pan well with a wooden spoon. Boil until it reduces to about 3 tablespoons, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved onions and the steaks; pour in the marinara sauce and stir. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer just until the onions are hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish each serving with chopped parsley.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 480; Fat (g): 34; Fat Calories (kcal): 310; Saturated Fat (g): 14; Protein (g): 27; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 16; Carbohydrates (g): 14; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 1220; Cholesterol (mg): 100; Fiber (g): 3;