Pan-Seared Top Sirloin Steak

Note from Marie: Need an elegant main course for a dinner party, or a just a simple healthy weeknight meal? This pan-seared sirloin steak serves both purposes! Really -- sirloin steak is one of the leaner cuts of meat (in case you are watching your fat and calories), and is also cheaper than some cuts of meat, but tastes fantastic when cooked medium and served with this fabulous red wine sauce. The best thing about this recipe is that you can cook it indoors! No outdoor grill or overnight marinating required! So, if you tend to be a little intiminidated by meat, don't have a grill (or don't know how to use one), this is a great recipe for you. One side note: This method of cooking indoors often generates quite a bit of smoke, so use your vent or open a window. Enjoy!

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

2 sirloin steaks (approx. 1 lb. each), premium choice

Olive oil

Sea salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup red wine

Instructions:

Heat large saute pan with approximately 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Wash steaks and pat dry with paper towel. Season each side with salt and pepper (note: some people prefer to season with salt after the steak has been cooked -- it's up to you). Place steaks in pan and cook for 6 minutes over medium heat. Flip steaks, and cook other side for 6 minutes. (Cook for 1-2 minutes longer on each side if you prefer your steak medium-well or well.) Using a spatula, remove steaks from pan and place on platter. Let the steaks sit for at least 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper again if desired.

Remove pan from heat to let oil cool (2-3 minutes). Place pan (with oil and brown bits from meat) over medium-low heat and add butter, red wine, and additional salt and pepper. Using rubber spatula, gently stir sauce. Increase heat until the sauce begins to boil. Reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes to let sauce reduce to a thin glaze.

Cut each steak into 2 even pieces. Place on plates or serving platter. Pour glaze over steaks.

Serve immediately.

Side Dish Suggestions: Roasted veggies, steamed broccoli, broiled asparagus, goat cheese mashed potatoes, or steamed green beans.