Pan-Seared Steaks with Herb Sauce

Serves 4

We like this sauce with strip or rib-eye steaks, but it will work with any type of pan-seared steak.

INGREDIENTS
2 boneless strip steaks (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches thick (about 1 pound each))
Kosher salt and pepper
1tablespoon vegetable oil
1small shallot, minced
1/2cup white wine
1/4cup Sauce Base (1/2 recipe; see related content)
1/4teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 1/2teaspoons minced fresh chives
1 1/2teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
1tablespoon unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 275 degrees. Cut each steak in half vertically to create four 8-ounce steaks. Pat steaks dry with paper towel. Season entire surface of steaks liberally with salt and pepper; gently press sides of steaks until uniform 1 1/2 inches thick. Place steaks on wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet; transfer baking sheet to oven. Cook until instant-read thermometer inserted in center of steak registers 90 to 95 degrees for rare to medium-rare, 20 to 25 minutes, or 100 to 105 degrees for medium, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Heat oil in 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until smoking. Place steaks in skillet and sear steaks until well-browned and crusty, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, lifting once halfway through to redistribute fat underneath each steak. (Reduce heat if fond begins to burn.) Using tongs, turn steaks and cook until well browned on second side, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer all steaks to wire cooling rack and reduce heat under pan to medium. Use tongs to stand 2 steaks on their sides. Holding steaks together, return to skillet and sear on all sides until browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Repeat with remaining 2 steaks. Transfer steaks to platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil while preparing herb sauce.

3. Return now-empty skillet to medium-low heat; add shallot and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add wine and bring to simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add Sauce Base, vinegar, and any accumulated juices from steak; return to simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in chives, parsley, tarragon, and butter; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over steaks and serve.