Chaliapin Steak Don Recipe (Food Wars)

This Chaliapin Steak recipe combines history and culinary artistry, making it a perfect choice to impress guests or enjoy a rich, tender meal.

Inspired by Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, who once requested a unique steak, this dish holds a special place in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I've refined the techniques that bring out the best in this dish; tender steak, sautéed onions, and a rich, savory sauce.

Today, I will walk you through every detail, from tenderizing the meat to balancing the sauce, to create a flavorful, unforgettable experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 steaks (your preferred cut, tender cuts work best)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp potato starch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine
• 1 tbsp minced parsley
• 1 tsp umeboshi paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small pickle plum (optional)
• 1 tbsp meat tenderizer (optional)
• Green onion for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by tenderizing the steak with a meat mallet. Gently pound both sides of the steak to ensure it's tender and even in thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let the steak sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the seasoning to soak in.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Once the cooked onions are caramelized, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

In the same pan, melt the butter and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, adjusting the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add the red wine and soy sauce to deglaze. Stir in the potato starch to thicken the sauce. Add the minced parsley and umeboshi paste for a unique tangy flavor. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Place the rested steak on a plate and top with the sauteed onions. Pour the sauce generously over the steak and garnish with minced onions and parsley. If you like, you can add a slice of pickled plum on top for an extra burst of flavor.

"The best steaks are those cooked with care and patience; it's about letting the meat speak for itself, with just a touch of seasoning and a rich sauce to bring it all together."

– Executive Chef Victor Chen

Recipe Notes

• Use a cast iron pan: A cast iron pan retains heat better, giving the steak a beautiful sear and even cooking.
• Tenderizing the meat: Use a meat mallet to ensure the steak is tender and can absorb all the flavors from the seasoning and sauce.
• Resting the steak: Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer or add a bit more potato starch.
• Wine selection: Use a dry red wine for the sauce to keep it from becoming too sweet. Let the wine cook down for a couple of minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbs: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

How to Pick the Right Steak

Choosing the right cut is key to a tender and flavorful Chaliapin steak don recipe. Here are a few tips for picking your steak:

1. Go for tender cuts: Filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin are great options.
2. Look for good marbling: Fat in the steak will keep it juicy and flavorful.
3. Consider thickness: A thicker steak (about 1 inch) will hold up better during cooking.
4. Fresh is best: Fresh cuts of steak will have a better texture and flavor than frozen ones.
5. Check the color: A deep red color indicates freshness. Avoid steaks that appear brown or dull.

Secret Tips for Making This Recipe

I’ve made this Chaliapin Steak countless times, and here’s what I’ve learned makes it stand out:

• Let the steak rest: This ensures the juices stay inside, making the steak more tender.
• Cook on medium-high heat: This gives the steak a nice crust without overcooking the inside.
• Use the same pan: Cooking the sauce in the same pan as the steak adds all those delicious meat juices to the sauce.
• Go easy on the potato starch: A little dissolved potato starch goes a long way in thickening the sauce.
• Don’t skip the umeboshi paste: It adds a unique, tangy kick to the sauce that makes the dish unforgettable.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With Chaliapin Steak

When serving Chaliapin Steak, the side dishes should balance its rich flavors and complement the tender meat. Here are my top recommendations for sides that pair perfectly with this savory dish:

1. Mashed Potatoes

A creamy serving of mashed potatoes complements the rich flavor of the steak and sauce, adding a comforting texture to each bite. The smooth, buttery potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully, making each mouthful a satisfying experience.

2. Grilled Asparagus

The slight char from grilled asparagus balances the steak's richness, providing a crisp and flavorful contrast. Grilling brings out the natural smoky flavor of the asparagus, which works wonderfully to cut through the savory steak and sauce.

3. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms, seasoned with butter and garlic, enhance the savory elements of the steak while adding an earthy flavor. The mushrooms add depth to the dish, bringing another layer of umami that complements the richness of the steak perfectly.

4. Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce and makes the meal feel even more indulgent. Its crispy texture and savory garlic flavor add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the steak.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the savory steak and sauce. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add a lovely texture contrast and a subtle sweetness that balances out the rich flavors of the steak.

6. Steamed Rice

Simple, steamed rice makes for an excellent side to soak up all the delicious sauce from the steak. The mild flavor of the rice complements the steak without overpowering it, providing a comforting base to your meal.

7. Caesar Salad

A light Caesar salad with crispy romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the steak. The creamy dressing and crisp greens provide a fresh and crunchy balance to the tender, rich steak.

8. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a classic side that pairs well with steak. The creamy texture of the spinach adds richness to the meal while the slight bitterness of the greens cuts through the steak’s richness, making it a perfect complement.

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