06/26/2024
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๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฐ๐ข๐๐ก ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐จ
This recipe is perfect for serving two people, but itโs easy to scale up if youโre hosting a larger groupโjust increase the meat quantity as the Au Jus makes enough to generously cover up to 4 servings.
๐๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ:
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๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ค:
Any choice cut of steak, approximately 1 inch thick
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๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ซ๐ฎ๐:
โข ยผ cup coffee grounds
โข 2 tbsp ancho or chipotle chili powder
โข 5 tsp brown sugar
โข 1 tbsp smoked paprika
โข 1 ยฝ tsp coriander powder
โข 1 tsp mustard powder
โข 1 ยฝ tsp fresh cracked pepper
โข 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
โข 1 tsp ground red chili flake
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๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ:
โข 4 tsp Better than Bouillon beef stock (or 4 cups beef stock)
โข 4 cups water
โข 2 whole green/spring onions, quartered
โข 1 head of roasted garlic
โข 2 dried mushrooms (e.g., Sh*take)
โข 1 ยฝ tsp ground turmeric
โข 2 tsp garlic powder
โข 1 tsp onion powder
โข Salt and cracked pepper to taste
๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐จ:
โข 2 cups mayo
โข 5 cloves garlic, freshly grated
โข 1 tsp salt
โข 1 tsp cracked pepper
*Note- there is a science to this mayo and how the garlic remains pungent and has that kick, I will be posting about that garlic science in the future.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ฐ๐ข๐๐ก ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ:
โข Crusty buns (e.g., rectangular ciabatta)
โข Optional: caramelized onions, sautรฉed mushrooms
โข Smoked cheddar or preferred melting cheese
๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ:
About 6 hours before cooking, generously coat your steaks with 5 tsp of the dry rub mixture. The combination of coffee grounds, chili powders, brown sugar, and other spices creates a rich flavor profile that infuses into the meat as it dry brines in the fridge. This step ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง:
While the steaks are brining, prepare the savory Au Jus. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to just below boiling. Dissolve Better than Bouillon beef stock in the warm water, or use your own beef stock if preferred. Add quartered green onions, roasted garlic cloves, dried mushrooms, and a blend of turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the umami depth. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, tasting occasionally and adjusting seasoning as needed. This step adds layers of flavor that complement the richness of the steak.
๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ค๐ฌ:
An hour before cooking, remove the steaks from the fridge to bring them to room temperature. Searing the steaks is a crucial step to achieve that perfect crust and juicy interior. Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat and add a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil. When the oil shimmers, carefully place each steak in the pan, ensuring they have enough space to sear evenly. Use a meat thermometer to monitor donenessโaim for an internal temperature of 150ยฐF for a medium-rare to medium steak. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steaks to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ:
While the steaks rest, prepare the buns. Choose crusty rectangular ciabatta or your favorite bread that can hold up to dipping in Au Jus. Butter the split buns and toast them in the same pan until golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful crunch to contrast with the tender steak and creamy cheese.
๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ:
Now comes the fun partโbuilding your French Dip Sandwich! Thinly slice the rested steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness. Spread generous amounts of garlic mayo on both halves of the toasted buns. Layer the sliced steak on the bottom half of the bun and top with your preferred cheese slicesโsmoked cheddar adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the robust steak and savory Au Jus. For an extra melt, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the cheese or place the assembled sandwich under the broiler until the cheese is gooey and irresistible. Add optional toppings like caramelized onions or sautรฉed mushrooms for additional depth of flavor.
๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ :
Serve your French Dip Sandwich hot with a side of the prepared Au Jus for dipping. The rich, savory broth enhances the flavors of the sandwich and adds a comforting warmth to each bite. Pair this hearty dish with a light side such as sautรฉed asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad to balance the meal and elevate your dining experience.
Enjoy your homemade French Dip Sandwichโperfectly tender steak, melted cheese, and savory Au Jus all packed into a satisfying bite!
