This Steak Diane recipe is beef tenderloin medallions that are seared and coated in a savory mushroom sauce. A classic recipe that’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough for company.
When I’m looking for a recipe that I know will impress my family and friends, I turn to broiled lobster tail, prime rib and this easy and delicious Steak Diane.
Every time I go to a fancy restaurant, I order Steak Diane if I see it on the menu. This combination of ultra tender steak in a rich and complex sauce just cannot be beat!
Why do they call it steak diane?
This dish is thought to be named after Diana, who was a Roman goddess of hunting and animals. In the 19th century a Diane sauce was created that was named for the goddess, which consisted of cream, truffle mushrooms and black pepper. It is believed that this dish actually originated in America, with the steak paired alongside a sauce similar to the Diane sauce of olden times.
How do you make steak diane?
Start by cutting beef tenderloin into medallions about 3/4 inch thick. You can do this by slicing the medallions from a whole tenderloin, or by cutting filet mignon steaks in half cross wise. Sear the beef on both sides until it is golden brown. Remove the meat from the pan, then make the sauce by cooking mushrooms, shallots and garlic until they’re tender. Add a splash of cognac and let it reduce by half. Add the beef broth, Dijon mustard and heavy cream, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Pour the sauce over the steak, then garnish with chives and serve.
Tips for the perfect meal
- This traditionally calls for beef tenderloin. That being said, tenderloin is a very expensive cut of meat. If you don’t want to splurge on tenderloin, you could try using sirloin or New York strip instead.
- I use white button mushrooms for the sauce, but you could use cremini mushrooms, or go fancy with some oyster or chanterelle mushrooms.
- I recommend serving Steak Diane immediately after it’s done cooking. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- I like to serve this dish with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable such as asparagus or green beans.
STEAK TEMPERATURES
It is important not to overcook your steak. Use a digital thermometer to gauge when your steak is ready. You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of your meat and monitor the progress while it cooks so that you know when to take it off the heat. I prefer to cook my steaks to a medium doneness level. I don’t recommend cooking your meat over 150 degrees F as it will can get tough or dry.
- Rare: 130 degrees F
- Medium Rare: 135 degrees F
- For Medium: 145 degrees F
- Medium Well: 150 degrees F
- Well Done: 160 degrees F
What can you substitute for brandy in steak diane?
This recipe calls for Cognac, which is a distilled brandy from the Cognac region of France. Cognac is available in the liquor department of many grocery stores or at beverage shops. If you don’t have Cognac or don’t want to purchase it, you can use an equal amount of a different type of brandy, white wine or beef broth. The flavor will be a little different without the brandy, but it will still be delicious.
This Steak Diane always gets rave reviews in my house. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!
More steak recipes you’ll enjoy
- New York Strip Steak
- Rib Eye Steak with Garlic Butter
- Steak Tacos
- Grilled Flank Steak
- The Best Steak Marinade
Steak Diane Video
Steak Diane
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin or filet mignon cut crosswise into 3/4 inch thick medallions
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 tablespoons shallots minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1/4 cup cognac
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chives thinly sliced
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the oil in a large pan over high heat. Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the pan; if they don't all fit you might need to work in batches.
- Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until desired level of doneness is reached. You can use a thermometer if needed to gauge the proper temperature of the meat.
- Remove the steak from the pan. Place on a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the pan. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Add the shallots and garlic and cook for one more minute. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cognac into the pan and bring to a boil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until liquid has reduced in half.
- Add the beef broth, Dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce and heavy cream to the pan. Whisk until well combined.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until sauce has just thickened.
- Return the steaks to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the meat. Sprinkle with chives, then serve.
Notes
- If you don't want to use cognac, you can substitute more beef broth in its place.
- I prefer to cook my steaks to medium, which is 145 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Gina says
This is a classic I can get behind. Usually not too much of a fan of some of the older traditional recipes but when mushrooms and steak are involved, I’m in!
Katherine says
This is a perfect classic steak diane!
Dannii says
This is such a classic dish! This steak looks perfectly cooked too.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This is my husband’s favourite but he hasn’t had it in years. Will be making this for him!
Maria says
I’ve never heard of this Diane steak so thank you for sharing this recipe! I love that you included some background it makes me familiar on what this dish is all about. Totally bookmarking this one and doing it for the holidays!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
This Steak Diane is such an elegant dish. Perfect for a romantic dinner! Yum!
Caitlyn Erhardt says
This is a top request in my house for dinner each week. The sauce compliments the steak perfectly.
Gavin Sutherland says
I’m a BIG fan of the classics – this version was perfect. I’ll be making it again very soon!
Anaiah says
Wow! This was such a delicious Steak Diane recipe. I served it with mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus for dinner. My husband loved it!
AISilva says
I can’t wait to try this steak diane. The beef tenderloin looks so thick and juicy, and you cooked it perfectly. The mushrooms re an added bonus. Thank you!