Description
Steak Pizzaiola is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender sirloin steaks simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and butter. This recipe balances a quick sear with a flavorful, aromatic sauce that brings out the beef’s natural taste, perfect for a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 2 slices of sirloin steak, ½ inch thick, 7 ounces each
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
Tomato Sauce
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small finely chopped onion (¼ cup)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried whole oregano
- ¼ cup fresh basil, loosely packed, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Generously season the sirloin steaks with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with the crushed garlic cloves. Place one steak at a time in the hot skillet; sear each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly golden brown. For large skillets, both steaks can be seared at once.
- Baste with Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, tilt the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks to enhance flavor and retain moisture. Repeat for the second steak if cooked separately.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the seared steaks from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest, allowing juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Sauté Onions: Remove half of the oil and butter mixture from the skillet. In the remaining fat, sauté the finely chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Add dried basil and oregano, then season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Finish Steaks in Sauce: Nestle the rested steaks back into the skillet within the sauce. Simmer gently for 30 seconds, then turn the steaks and top with fresh chopped basil. Turn off the heat after another 30 seconds or once steaks are warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the Steak Pizzaiola hot with crusty bread or your favorite pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Have all ingredients prepared and close at hand before cooking, as steps move quickly and prevent burning of onions and garlic.
- Adding fresh basil right before serving retains its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs or spices, or substitute the steak with other proteins according to preference.