Ingredients Quantity (for 4 servings):
- 4 cuts of steak (such as sirloin, filet mignon, or tenderloin)
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered (e.g., Yukon Gold or baby potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into small pieces
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Additions:
- Vegetables: Add sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Marinade: Marinate the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic for enhanced flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the potatoes before serving.
- Herbs: Use fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a more aromatic dish.
Tips for Success:
- Uniform Sizing: Cut the potatoes into even sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Seal the Packets Well: Crimp the edges of the foil tightly to trap steam and keep the ingredients juicy.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the baking time, especially for smaller steak cuts, to avoid drying them out.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes in the foil after removing it from the oven for maximum juiciness.
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Prevent leaks or tearing by opting for heavy-duty foil, or double-layer standard foil.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the ingredients: Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. In a separate bowl, toss the potato quarters with olive oil and a pinch of the same seasonings.
- Assemble the packets: Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil. Divide the potatoes evenly among them, creating a base. Place a steak cut on top of the potatoes, and add small pieces of butter over the steak and potatoes.
- Seal the packets: Bring the edges of the foil together and fold tightly to create sealed packets.
- Bake: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak reaches your preferred doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam), garnish with fresh parsley, and serve directly in the foil for easy cleanup.
Description:
This dish delivers a delightful combination of savory, seasoned steak and creamy, tender potatoes. The foil packets lock in the natural juices and aromas, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The buttery finish and fresh parsley garnish add a touch of indulgence to this hearty meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion:
Meat and Potato Foil Bakes are a wonderful blend of simplicity and indulgence. They’re perfect for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or even special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recommendation:
Serve these foil bakes with a crisp green salad, a side of crusty bread, or even a tangy yogurt-based dipping sauce for an elevated dining experience. For a smoky twist, try cooking the packets on a grill instead of in the oven.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence:
For a lighter version, swap the steak for chicken breast or fish, and use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. You can also reduce the butter or replace it with olive oil to cut back on saturated fat while still keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Enjoy this fuss-free, delicious meal!