Imagine cutting into a perfectly seared tenderloin steak, its rich, juicy interior complemented by a luxurious cranberry port sauce that dances between sweet and tangy. This isn't just another steak recipe—it's a culinary experience that will transform your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With the bold punch of Gorgonzola cheese and an elegant sauce that will make your taste buds sing, this dish is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Tenderloin steaks
- Cranberry sauce
- Port wine
- Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by taking the tenderloin steaks out of the refrigerator and allowing them to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
- While the steaks are resting, prepare the cranberry port sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup of port wine. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season both sides of the tenderloin steaks generously with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the tenderloin steaks to the skillet.
- Sear the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them, until a nice brown crust forms. Flip the steaks and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm while you finish the sauce.
- In the same skillet, pour the cranberry port sauce back in and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- To serve, place a tenderloin steak on each plate. Drizzle the cranberry port sauce generously over the top of each steak.
- Sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola cheese over the sauce while it is still warm, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce.
- Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious tenderloin steaks with cranberry port sauce and Gorgonzola cheese!
Tips
- Always let your steaks rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and flavor development.
- Don't move the steaks while searing—this creates that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve your desired doneness precisely.
- Let the steaks rest after cooking to retain their juices.
- Fresh thyme isn't just a garnish—it adds a subtle, aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Choose a quality port wine for the sauce to enhance its depth of flavor.
- For the best Gorgonzola experience, use freshly crumbled cheese that's at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 590kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 56g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
