Sometimes, after days of delicious fish and seafood, my family craves steak. This easy recipe will give you the perfect, melt in your mouth, steak every single time (even better than the grill, believe it or not).
We love beef, but we do not eat it as often as we used to because we try to incorporate more vegetables and less calorie dense proteins. So when I include beef on the menu, I make sure it is the best I can find and the best cut or grind. Ribeyes, filets, ground sirloin, and brisket are the ones I turn to most.
When on vacation in the Florida Keys, however, it is natural to feast mainly on the local seafood that is so very delicious and plentiful, especially when you catch it yourself. But, I have found that one meal of superior steak is the perfect enhancement to a week’s menu in Marathon, Florida, or any of our Keys’ islands. I think the contrast between fresh fish, crab, lobster, or shrimp just makes the filet all the more decadent and amazing. Certainly, a surf and turf option is an obvious choice and so very doable with lobster or shrimp on the side.
Where do you find the best meat on our island? My first preference is Fish Tales Market and Eatery. It is locally owned by George, John, and Jackie – who are almost always in the market serving up the deliciousness of all sorts. The market features fresh fish and seafood but also has very high quality certified Angus Beef. George and John are happy to hand-cut any selection you would like and give you advice along with your purchase. It is best to call ahead if you are looking for special or large orders.
The second option is our local Publix Supermarket. The meat market has all of the usual options. If there is something you can not find in their refrigerated section, just ask any of the meat market staff and they most likely can find what you are looking for in the back. Publix is a fantastic store with a dedicated and hard-working manager. You will find that the employees are happy to help their customers.
With these two exceptional shopping venues, you will definitely find gorgeous tenderloin beef filets and anything else you need for your vacation menu. We feel so fortunate to have both Fish Tales Market and Publix on our special island. These kinds of local assets help set Marathon and Key Colony Beach islands apart from most of the rest of the Florida Keys. Everything you need is just minutes away.
Ingredients:
• Two or more 6 to 8 oz beef tenderloin filet mignon steaks
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive Oil Spray
Yield: 1 serving per 6 to 8 ounce steak
Nutritional Note: Rich in healthy and lean protein
Instructions:
Rinse the steaks, pat them dry and then let them rest on a platter on the counter until they reach room temperature – at least 45 minutes before cooking.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray the steak on both sides with the olive oil or brush it on lightly. Salt and pepper both sides also. We like them with lots of cracked pepper. Almost Au Poivre!
When the oven is ready, heat the skillet or pan over high heat until the pan is very hot. Add the steaks and cook, without moving them or puncturing them with a fork. VERY IMPORTANT! Sear for 2 ½ minutes per side.
Use tongs and turn the steaks on their sides to sear them for about a minute or so one each side. The goal is to brown the steaks all over.
Remove the steak with the tongs and place them in a hot oven-safe dish and place in the oven for 5 minutes or, if the skillet is oven-proof, place the entire skillet in the oven.
Check the steaks with a meat thermometer after 5 minutes. Remove from the oven when the steaks are 125 degrees for medium-rare or 130 degrees for medium.
Let them rest with foil lightly draped over them for about 10 minutes, the juices will finish and the temp will rise 5 to 10 degrees more.
YUM!
