Pan Fried Medium Steak with Rocket and Tomato Salad

There is nothing like a steak dinner that allows the meat to shine on the plate. All that is needed with it is a simple, lightly dressed salad. One great meal that encompasses these characteristics is a pan fried medium steak with a tomato and rocket salad. The steak is juicy, simply seasoned, and has a nice crust on the outside. The salad has a nice peppery taste as a result of the rocket, sweetness from the tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil to dress the salad. The steak will be restaurant quality and the salad is light and fresh with a very satisfying depth of flavor. The first thing to do is focus on making a perfect pan fried medium steak.

Steak Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 Sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick
Salt, to taste
Coarse ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
Unsalted butter

Bring the steak to room temperature.

Season steak liberally on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic.

Heat a large skillet over high heat.

When skillet is hot add about 1 tablespoon of butter into the non stick pan.

Immediately place strip steak on top of the butter (the butter helps to create a nice crust on the exterior).

Allow to sear for about 3 minutes undisturbed.

Turn over and cook for 3-4 more minutes for a medium rare steak.

Remove from skillet.

Allow to rest (resting helps retain juices).

While the steak is resting gather your ingredients for the salad which are:

Salad Ingredients

1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup rocket
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Halve cherry tomatoes.

In a large bowl combine tomatoes and rocket.

Make a quick dressing by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Add to salad and toss to coat. Season with a bit more salt and pepper if desired.

Now that your steak is rested and the salad is ready, slice and serve on top of salad.