How to Cook Steak with Wine Sauce: Perfect Pairings from a Wisconsin Butcher
If you’re ready to elevate your cooking game in 2024, let’s talk about one of life’s most delectable pleasures: a juicy, perfectly cooked steak with wine sauce. Wilson Farm Meats, your local Elkhorn, Wisconsin butcher, is here to guide you through an experience that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re from Burlington, WI, or just passing through, this blog has everything you need to create a steak dinner that’s a cut above the rest. And trust us—after reading, you’ll want to make the trip to our store at 406 S Wisconsin St, Elkhorn, WI, for the best locally-raised, farm-fresh cuts around.
The Perfect Steak: Start with Quality
To cook the perfect steak with wine sauce, you have to start with quality—and we mean the best quality that comes from over 150 years of farm-to-table tradition. At Wilson Farm Meats, we’re not just a butcher shop. We are a family-owned staple of Elkhorn, dedicated to providing USDA-inspected beef that makes all the difference in flavor, tenderness, and overall satisfaction.
Choosing the Right Cut for the Job
Before you even think about that rich, velvety wine sauce, you’ve got to choose the right steak. Here are some fantastic cuts to use:
- Ribeye: Rich and full of marbling, it’s tender and juicy.
- New York Strip: Well-balanced in flavor and tenderness.
- Filet Mignon: Extra tender, a perfect choice if you’re looking to impress.
For those in Burlington, WI, looking to treat themselves, our locally-raised steaks are well worth the drive. The better the quality of the meat, the easier it is to make a memorable dish.
Cooking Steak in 2024: A Modern Twist
Cooking steak has come a long way, and in 2024, people are seeking that perfect balance of ease and quality. At Wilson Farm Meats, we believe in making things approachable for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step: Cooking the Perfect Steak
- Bring Steak to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before cooking, take your steak out of the fridge. This ensures even cooking.
- Season Generously: Use salt and pepper—simple but effective.
- Sear in a Hot Pan: Heat your skillet until it’s almost smoking. You want to hear a nice sizzle when the steak hits the pan.
- Add Butter & Aromatics: Once you’ve flipped the steak, add butter, garlic, and rosemary for basting. This enhances flavor.
- Finish in the Oven (Optional): For thicker cuts, pop the skillet into a preheated oven at 400°F until it reaches your desired doneness.
Make sure to follow USDA guidelines when it comes to internal temperatures—145°F for medium rare, which is perfect for a juicy steak. These guidelines are updated regularly, and as of 2024, this is still the recommended safe temperature for whole cuts of beef.
Making the Wine Sauce: A Simple Recipe
The key to a good steak with wine sauce is simplicity. It’s all about letting the natural flavors shine. Here’s how you can whip up a foolproof red wine sauce:
Ingredients for Wine Sauce
- 1 cup dry red wine: Something like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- 2 tablespoons shallots: Finely chopped.
- 2 cups beef stock: To add depth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For richness.
Directions
- Sauté Shallots: In the same pan you cooked your steak, sauté shallots until they become translucent.
- Add the Wine: Pour in the wine and let it reduce by half. The alcohol will cook off, leaving you with rich flavor.
- Add Beef Stock: Add the beef stock and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Finish with Butter: Swirl in the butter to make the sauce silky and luxurious.
This wine sauce complements the steak without overwhelming it—the perfect pairing to showcase your skills.
Wine Pairings to Enhance the Experience
Of course, if you’re cooking steak with wine sauce, why not pour a glass of something to pair with it? In 2024, pairing food and wine is all about creating a balance of flavors that enhances your meal. Here are some suggestions to make your steak dinner an event to remember:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic pairing, its boldness matches the rich flavors of the ribeye.
- Merlot: Smooth and less tannic, perfect for a New York strip.
- Pinot Noir: Light enough to let a filet mignon shine, without overpowering it.
2024 Wine Trends: Locally-Sourced Gems
In 2024, the trend is shifting toward locally-sourced wines. Wisconsin has a growing wine scene, and Burlington is home to some exciting wine selections that are well worth trying. Support your local wineries by pairing one of their bottles with your next steak from Wilson Farm Meats—you’ll be surprised by the quality and flavor!
USDA Guidelines: Staying Safe in 2024
When it comes to cooking and handling meat, keeping up-to-date with USDA guidelines is crucial for both flavor and safety. As of 2024, the USDA recommends:
- Cooking steaks to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium rare, with a 3-minute rest afterward.
- Ensuring that all surfaces and tools that come into contact with raw meat are cleaned thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.
Wilson Farm Meats is a USDA-inspected facility, meaning our practices ensure the highest level of safety and quality from our farm to your table. You can trust that when you buy from us, you’re getting products that meet or exceed the standards set by federal regulations.
Why Visit Wilson Farm Meats?
At Wilson Farm Meats, we do more than just provide you with exceptional quality meat—we provide an experience. By visiting our store at 406 S Wisconsin St, Elkhorn, WI, you’ll get to:
- Talk with Experts: Get personalized tips and tricks directly from our butchers.
- Farm-Fresh Quality: All our meats are locally-raised and processed with the highest standards.
- Custom Cuts: Need something specific? We’ve got you covered.
For residents of Burlington, WI, we invite you to come and see why a trip to Elkhorn is well worth it. You’ll not only get top-quality meats, but also leave with inspiration for your next culinary creation.
Create Your Perfect Steak Dinner Today
Cooking steak with wine sauce doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little help from Wilson Farm Meats, you can enjoy the rich flavors of a perfectly paired meal, complete with a glass of locally-sourced wine. Don’t settle for anything less than the best—stop by our Elkhorn store and let us help you make your next meal unforgettable.
Visit Us in Elkhorn, WI
Ready to make your steak dinner dreams come true? Visit Wilson Farm Meats at 406 S Wisconsin St, Elkhorn, WI today and discover what makes our farm-fresh meats the talk of the town. We’re looking forward to seeing you!