Juicy and Flavorful Steak with Spicy Green Onion Kimchi Pairing
The Secret to Perfect Steak: Grilling Techniques and Its Ideal Companion, Green Onion Kimchi
Even though my homemade green onion kimchi (Pakimchi) wasn’t fully aged for ten days as recommended, impatience led me to bring it out for a special occasion. I decided to pair it with a perfectly grilled steak, and the result was extraordinary! Grilling the steak to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior, then complementing it with the spicy kick of Pakimchi, creates a symphony of flavors. This recipe will guide you to create a restaurant-quality steak experience right in your own kitchen. Get ready for a delightful culinary journey where the pungent notes of kimchi and the rich aroma of steak harmonize beautifully on your palate.
Main Ingredients
- 200g high-quality beef sirloin or tenderloin
- 4 tablespoons fresh butter
- 1 sweet onion
- A small handful of fresh salad greens (optional)
- A portion of well-fermented green onion kimchi
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Place the steak in the melted butter and sear each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, creating a beautiful brown crust. This step is crucial for locking in the steak’s juices.
Step 2
Cutting the steak to about 1.5cm thickness beforehand can significantly reduce cooking time and ensure more even cooking throughout. If you prefer a thicker steak, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 3
Transfer the steak, now seared with butter, to an oven-safe pan or dish. Place it in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness, allowing the inside to cook to tender perfection. (e.g., about 5 minutes for medium-rare, 7-8 minutes for medium).
Step 4
While the steak is in the oven, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan used for the steak. Add thinly sliced onion and sauté over medium heat until nicely browned and caramelized. The natural sweetness of the onion will enhance the steak’s flavor beautifully.
Step 5
Wash the green onion kimchi, then neatly roll each stalk into bite-sized portions. Arrange them attractively on a serving dish. This simple preparation makes the kimchi ready to be a stunning side dish.
Step 6
Arrange the oven-baked steak, sliced into serving pieces, on a large plate. Artfully add the caramelized onions and fresh salad greens. Place the prepared green onion kimchi alongside the steak to complete a generous and appealing presentation.
Step 7
Now for the best part! Slice a piece of steak and take a bite, accompanied by a rolled piece of green onion kimchi. Experience the incredible fusion of the steak’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and the kimchi’s zesty, spicy-sweet profile. This culinary marriage is a celebrated classic for a reason – prepare to be delighted!
