Ep 14. The Secret to a Steakhouse Dinner

The Secret to a Steakhouse Dinner is the fourteenth and final episode of season five of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. Throughout the season, Chef Anne Burrell has taught viewers how to master various restaurant dishes in their own kitchens, and in this episode, she takes on a steakhouse classic: the perfectly cooked steak.

Chef Anne starts by explaining the different cuts of steak and their characteristics. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a quality cut of meat and properly seasoning it to enhance its natural flavors. Next, she walks viewers through the steps of pan-searing a steak to achieve a caramelized crust and juicy, tender interior.

But a steak dinner isn't complete without some classic sides, so Chef Anne also demonstrates how to make creamed spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. She shares her tips for getting the creamed spinach velvety-smooth without turning it into baby food, and how to infuse the mashed potatoes with rich, savory garlic flavor.

To top off the meal, Chef Anne makes a classic steakhouse sauce: béarnaise. While many home cooks are intimidated by the thought of emulsifying butter into egg yolks, Chef Anne breaks it down into simple steps and shows viewers how to create a silky, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the steak.

Throughout the episode, Chef Anne also shares her general tips for cooking meat, including how to determine doneness by touch or with a meat thermometer, and why it's important to let the steak rest before cutting into it. She also advises on the best ways to select, season, and maintain cast iron pans, which are great for achieving a perfect sear on steak.

The Secret to a Steakhouse Dinner is not only a lesson in mastering a classic dish, but also in building a complete meal from scratch. Chef Anne's tips and techniques can be applied to many different cuts of meat, and her approach to flavoring and balancing dishes can help home cooks elevate their cooking skills.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good steak dinner, or who wants to up their game as a home cook. Chef Anne's expertise and passion for cooking are infectious, and her down-to-earth teaching style makes even complex techniques approachable. By the end of the episode, viewers will be eager to fire up their stovetops and start creating their own perfect steak dinners.