Prepare to elevate your salad game with a mouthwatering French Onion Steak Salad that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slowly cooked onions, perfectly seared flank steak, and a bed of fresh mixed greens topped with melty Gruyère cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to transform your perception of what a salad can be.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Season the onions with a pinch of salt during cooking.
- While the onions are caramelizing, heat the second tablespoon of olive oil in a separate cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Sear the flank steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will ensure the meat remains tender and juicy.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, diagonal strips.
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates. Top with the caramelized onions and sliced steak.
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the salad while the steak and onions are still warm, allowing the cheese to slightly melt.
- Serve immediately, optionally drizzling with a light vinaigrette or additional olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing and maximum tenderness.
- Caramelization Magic: Take your time with the onions – slow cooking is crucial for developing deep, sweet flavor. Don't rush this step!
- Slicing Matters: Always slice the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Cheese Technique: Sprinkle the Gruyère while the steak and onions are still warm to create a slight melting effect that adds luxurious richness.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality flank steak and real Gruyère cheese for the most authentic and delicious results.
- Resting Period: Let the steak rest for a full 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices and keep the meat tender and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
