Balmoral Steaks with Laphroaig Whiskey Cream Sauce
Experience the rich culinary tradition of Scotland with this exquisite Balmoral Steak recipe, featuring succulent Aberdeen Angus fillets paired with a sumptuous Laphroaig whiskey cream sauce. Inspired by the renowned 'The Witchery' restaurant in Edinburgh, this dish brings a taste of Scottish history and elegance to your dining table. The tender, juicy beef is perfectly complemented by a decadent sauce infused with the smoky essence of Laphroaig whiskey, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of Scottish heather honey. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat, serve with buttery new potatoes and vibrant seasonal greens for a meal that celebrates Scotland's gastronomic heritage. Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, this dish will transport you to the scenic landscapes of Scotland with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted, for frying)
Aberdeen Angus beef steak fillets
4 (8 ounces each) (or sirloin steaks, tender and high-quality)
salt
to taste (freshly ground)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Scotch whisky
4 tablespoons (high-quality (such as Laphroaig))
Scottish heather honey
1 teaspoon (optional, for added sweetness)
heavy cream
1 cup (for a rich sauce)
beef stock
1/2 cup (for depth of flavor)
fresh mushrooms
4 ounces (cleaned and sliced (button or wild))
green onions
4 tablespoons (chopped, optional garnish)
coarse grain mustard
2-3 teaspoons (for a touch of spice)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (snipped, for garnish)
purple heather
to garnish (edible flower, for decoration)
Instructions
1
1. Start by preheating a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to become hot enough for a good sear. Once hot, add the butter and reduce the heat to medium. Carefully place the Aberdeen Angus fillets into the skillet.
2
2. Sear the steaks for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. It's essential to avoid overcooking to maintain the tenderness of the meat. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steaks to a warm plate, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cover loosely to keep warm.
3
3. In the same skillet, with the delicious steak juices still present, add the good-quality Scotch whiskey, Scottish heather honey (if using), heavy cream, and beef stock. Bring this mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
4. Add the cleaned and sliced mushrooms to the sauce and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook down until it reduces by about half, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and to ensure the mushrooms fully absorb the flavors.
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5. Stir in the chopped green onions and coarse grain mustard, cooking briefly until the onions are softened and the sauce is warmed through.
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6. To serve, place the steaks on warm plates and generously pour the luscious whiskey sauce over them. Garnish with freshly snipped parsley and decorate with edible purple heather for an elegant touch.
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7. Enjoy this Scottish delight with sides like steamed new potatoes, crispy fries, or baked jacket potatoes and a crisp tossed salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in Balmoral Steaks?
The primary protein is Aberdeen Angus beef steak fillets, though high-quality sirloin can also be used.
What type of whiskey is recommended for the cream sauce?
A high-quality Scotch whiskey like Laphroaig is recommended to provide a smoky essence to the sauce.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary traditions of 'The Witchery' restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland.
How long should the steaks be seared?
Steaks should be seared for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
What ingredients are needed for the whiskey cream sauce?
The sauce requires Scotch whiskey, heavy cream, beef stock, mushrooms, green onions, and coarse grain mustard.
Is the Scottish heather honey mandatory in this recipe?
No, the heather honey is optional and is used to add a hint of sweetness and floral notes to the sauce.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You can use button or wild mushrooms, as long as they are cleaned and sliced.
Should the steaks be rested after cooking?
Yes, transfer the steaks to a warm plate and cover loosely to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
What type of pan is best for cooking Balmoral Steaks?
A cast iron skillet is recommended for its ability to maintain high heat and provide a good sear.
What temperature should the skillet be at the start?
The skillet should be preheated over medium-high heat until it is hot enough for a good sear.
How much should the sauce be reduced?
The sauce should be simmered until it reduces by about half to ensure a thick, luscious consistency.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include freshly snipped parsley and edible purple heather.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
Coarse grain mustard is used to add a touch of spice and texture to the whiskey cream sauce.
Are there specific side dishes suggested for this recipe?
Yes, it is best served with buttery new potatoes, crispy fries, baked jacket potatoes, or a crisp tossed salad.
What is the serving size for the steaks?
The recipe calls for four steaks, each weighing approximately 8 ounces.
When do you add the green onions to the sauce?
Green onions are stirred in toward the end of the cooking process, along with the mustard.
Do I need to clean the skillet before making the sauce?
No, you should use the same skillet with the steak juices still present to add depth of flavor to the sauce.
How is the salt and pepper applied?
The steaks should be seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper after they have been seared.
Can I use salted butter for frying?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter for frying the steaks.
What is the purpose of adding beef stock to the sauce?
Beef stock is added to provide additional depth of flavor and volume to the cream sauce.
Is purple heather safe to eat?
Yes, the recipe suggests using edible purple heather flowers for decoration.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total including garnishes and seasonings.
Should the sauce be boiled or simmered?
The mixture should first be brought to a boil to meld flavors, then reduced to a gentle simmer for reduction.
Can I make this dish for a special occasion?
Yes, this dish is described as ideal for special occasions or a delightful gourmet treat.
What is the preparation for the parsley garnish?
The fresh parsley should be snipped before being used as a garnish.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What weight are the steak fillets?
Each steak fillet should be approximately 8 ounces.
Why reduce the heat after adding butter?
The heat is reduced to medium once the butter is added to prevent the butter from burning during the searing process.
Is this a traditional Scottish recipe?
Yes, it celebrates Scotland's gastronomic heritage using local ingredients like Aberdeen Angus beef and Scotch whiskey.
Can I use wild mushrooms instead of button mushrooms?
Yes, both button and wild mushrooms are suitable for this whiskey cream sauce.