Beef medallions with shiitake mushrooms offer a quick, elegant dish perfect for special occasions or busy dinners. You'll sear tenderloin medallions for a juicy finish, then sauté earthy shiitake mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in the same pan. A splash of Cognac and creamy sour cream rounds out the sauce beautifully. Garnish with parsley and serve alongside roasted potatoes or fresh salads to elevate your meal. Stick around to uncover more cooking tips and serving suggestions!
History
When you dive into the history of beef medallions with shiitake mushrooms, you'll find a fascinating blend of culinary traditions.
Beef medallions, often cut from the tenderloin, have been cherished in European cuisine for their tenderness and rich flavor. Meanwhile, shiitake mushrooms, cultivated for over a thousand years in East Asia, bring an umami depth that enhances various dishes.
The combination of beef and shiitake reflects a long-standing appreciation for how these ingredients complement each other's textures and flavors. In America, this dish gained traction in the late 20th century, showcasing a trend toward gourmet ingredients in home cooking.
Classic French techniques also played a role, popularizing the use of cognac and creamy sauces that elevate this culinary delight.
Recipe
Indulge in a rich and savory dish that combines tender beef medallions with the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy gourmet meals but don't have the luxury of time, as it can be prepared in just 15 minutes. The combination of high-quality ingredients like Cognac and sour cream elevates this dish, making it suitable for both quick dinners and special occasions.
To create a delightful dining experience, ensure that you use fresh shiitake mushrooms and high-quality beef for the best flavors. The method of searing the beef and deglazing the pan with Cognac not only enhances the taste but also gives the sauce a depth that complements the dish perfectly. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Elevate your dining experience with fresh shiitake mushrooms and high-quality beef, complemented by a rich Cognac sauce.
Ingredients:
- Beef medallions
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Cognac
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
- Parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the beef medallions with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sear the beef medallions for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, remove the medallions from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add sliced shiitake mushrooms, minced shallots, and garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender. Deglaze the pan with Cognac, scraping up any browned bits, then add chicken broth and sour cream, stirring until the sauce is well combined and heated through.
Return the beef to the skillet, allowing it to bask in the sauce briefly before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef medallions in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you want to enhance the dish further, you can add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of brightness and heat.
Lastly, make sure to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Cooking Steps
To get started, slice the beef into medallions and season them with salt and pepper.
Sear the medallions in a hot skillet until they're nicely browned on each side.
Once they're cooked, you'll want to add the shiitake mushrooms to the pan for a flavorful finish.
Step 1. Slice Beef Into Medallions
Start by selecting a tender cut of beef, like beef tenderloin or ribeye, for the best flavor and texture.
Next, grab a sharp chef's knife and slice the beef into medallions. Make sure to cut against the grain into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces; this ensures tenderness and makes them easy to chew.
Aim for uniform sizes so they'll cook evenly in your medium skillet. If you want, you can flatten each medallion to about 1/4 inch thickness using a mallet or a heavy weight. This method promotes quick and even cooking, enhancing your dish.
Once you've sliced them, you're all set for the next step in preparing your delicious beef medallions.
Step 2. Season With Salt and Pepper
After slicing your beef medallions, it's time to enhance their flavor with seasoning.
Start by generously applying kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the medallions. This not only boosts the natural taste of the beef but also complements the umami-rich shiitake mushrooms in your dish.
Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed for the best results. After seasoning, let the beef sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This pause allows the flavors to absorb fully and promotes even cooking.
Proper seasoning is crucial, as it creates a savory taste profile that elevates your meal. With your beef medallions well-seasoned, you're ready for the next step in cooking!
Step 3. Sear in Hot Skillet
Once your beef medallions are perfectly seasoned, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to keep them from sticking.
Place the medallions in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear each side for about 3 minutes, allowing the high heat to develop a rich, brown crust.
This method ensures the beef remains pink and tender inside, creating a delightful contrast. If your skillet's too crowded, cook them in batches to maintain that optimal sear.
Once done, transfer the medallions to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your final dish is juicy and flavorful before you add the mushrooms.
Step 4. Add Shiitake Mushrooms to Pan
With the beef medallions resting, it's time to bring the skillet back to life.
Add shiitake mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic to the pan, using the remaining oil left from the beef.
Start sautéing the shiitake over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
As you add the mushrooms, be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate those flavorful browned bits.
This enhances the overall taste of your dish.
Once the mushrooms are tender, you're set to deglaze with a splash of Cognac, but hold off on that for now.
Enjoy the aroma as the mushrooms cook and flavor the skillet!
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Step 5. Deglaze With Red Wine
As the sautéed shiitake mushrooms, shallots, and garlic release their enticing aromas, it's time to deglaze the pan with red wine.
Pour a generous splash of red wine into the hot skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the acidity to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Grab a wooden spoon and scrape the pan, ensuring you incorporate all those delicious caramelized morsels into the sauce.
Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors while cooking off the alcohol.
This step not only enhances the richness of the dish but also pairs beautifully with the beef medallions, creating a complex umami experience that elevates your meal.
Enjoy the depth of flavor!
Final Thoughts
While you might think preparing a gourmet meal is complex, the combination of beef medallions and shiitake mushrooms proves otherwise. This dish showcases tender, flavorful beef, enhanced by the rich umami of shiitake mushrooms.
You can achieve a restaurant-quality meal with a simple sear and a quick sauté of mushrooms and shallots. The addition of a Cognac-based sauce elevates the flavors, making every bite satisfying.
Plus, this dish is low-calorie and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary needs. Pair your beef medallions with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to boost nutritional value and complement the rich flavors. Incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients can also enhance the health benefits of your meal.
Embrace this elegant yet easy recipe, and enjoy a delightful dining experience at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shitake Mushrooms Go Well With Steak?
Absolutely, shiitake mushrooms go great with steak! Their rich umami flavor enhances the savory taste of the meat, bringing out its best qualities.
You'll love how the meaty texture of shiitake provides a satisfying contrast to tender steak. When cooked together, they absorb the steak's juices, adding depth to the dish.
Plus, you'll appreciate that shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and packed with nutrients, making your meal healthier without sacrificing flavor.
When Not to Use Shiitake Mushrooms?
You shouldn't use shiitake mushrooms when you want a lighter flavor, as their strong umami can overpower delicate dishes.
They're not great for raw meals like salads due to their tough texture. If you're stir-frying or need quick cooking, opt for softer mushrooms instead.
Also, avoid them in desserts or sweet dishes, since their earthy taste doesn't fit.
Lastly, if you're allergic to mushrooms, it's best to skip shiitakes altogether.
How Long Do You Cook Beef Medallions For?
Imagine flipping a coin in the air, waiting for it to land just right.
Cooking beef medallions is similar—timing is everything. You'll want to cook them for about 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat for that perfect medium-rare doneness.
Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should hit around 125°F.
And don't forget to let them rest for a few minutes afterward to lock in those delicious juices!
What to Do With Beef Medallions?
When you've got beef medallions, you can achieve a delicious meal by pan-searing them for about three minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare.
After cooking, consider deglazing the pan with cognac or red wine to create a rich sauce.
Pair your medallions with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor that'll elevate your dish!
