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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola & Caramelized Onions



In my humble opinion, a good steak is best cooked as rare as possible to enjoy the full flavor of the meat and to have it as juicy as possible. When I eat steak (which is rare any more) I enjoy mine 'black and blue', or charred on the outside and rare in the middle. A well done steak just doesn't taste the same and, in most cases, has the juices cooked out of the meat by the time it hits the plate. Remember, when the steak on the grill looks two rungs rarer than you like it remove it from the fire! The meat will continue cooking even when it's off the heat. However you like your steak cooked, top your filet with sweet caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese for that extra kick! You should seek out good-quality Gorgonzola for the best flavor, but any will work. Serve with garlic smashed potatoes and steamed baby carrots for a superb dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 2 large onions, sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 pound beef tenderloin (filet mignon) or sirloin steak, 1-1 1/4 inches thick, trimmed and cut into 4 steaks
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese

Preparation
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and brown sugar and cook, stirring often, until the onions are very tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add broth, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until the liquid has almost evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer the onions to a bowl; cover to keep warm. Clean and dry the pan.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper on both sides of each steak. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn them over and top with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until the cheese is melted and the steaks are cooked to desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes for medium-rare. Serve the steaks with the caramelized onions.

Nutrition

Per serving: 306 calories; 16 g fat ( 5 g sat , 7 g mono ); 81 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrates; 28 g protein; 2 g fiber; 508 mg sodium; 524 mg potassium.