Introduction
Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms is a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly blends the richness of perfectly seared steaks with the earthy, aromatic flavors of sautéed mushrooms and the refreshing zest of fresh tarragon. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy tender, juicy steak with a savory, herby mushroom topping. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a luxurious meal at home, Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms is the ultimate choice for an unforgettable dining experience. With the combination of high-quality steak, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic tarragon, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality dish to your own kitchen.
Perfect for:
- Special occasions or romantic dinners
- Weeknight meals when you want to elevate your dinner
- Meat lovers looking for a flavorful dish
- Those who love mushrooms and fresh herbs
Why You’ll Love This Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms Recipe
Here’s why Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms will quickly become one of your favorite meals:
- Juicy and Tender Steaks: The steaks are perfectly seared to create a flavorful, caramelized crust while maintaining tenderness inside, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
- Savory Tarragon Mushrooms: The tarragon mushrooms bring a unique depth of flavor that elevates the steak without overpowering it. The tarragon adds an herbal note that perfectly complements the richness of the steak and mushrooms.
- Easy to Make: While this dish may seem fancy, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a gourmet meal in no time.
- Customizable: You can choose your preferred type of steak, and feel free to experiment with different mushroom varieties to suit your tastes.
- Great for Entertaining: This dish is perfect for impressing guests, but it’s also great for a cozy meal at home. It’s versatile and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms:
- 4 (6-8 oz) boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh tarragon sprigs for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Steaks: Ribeye and sirloin steaks are perfect for this recipe, offering rich flavor and tenderness. Ribeye offers a more marbled cut for extra juiciness, while sirloin provides a leaner option that is still full of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like shiitake or portobello if you prefer a more earthy taste.
- Tarragon: Fresh tarragon adds a distinct anise-like, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- Beef Broth: A splash of beef broth helps create a flavorful sauce, while also enhancing the overall savory taste of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the mushroom sauce, making it velvety and luxurious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms:
Prepare the Steaks:
- Season the Steaks: Start by seasoning both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as it helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steaks to ensure a good sear.
- Sear the Steaks: Add the steaks to the hot pan and cook them to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. For medium, cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.
Make the Tarragon Mushroom Sauce:
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra depth to the sauce.
- Add the Cream and Tarragon: Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped tarragon. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it at this point and stir to incorporate.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the Steaks: Once the steaks have rested, place them on serving plates.
- Top with Tarragon Mushrooms: Spoon the tarragon mushroom sauce over the steaks, ensuring an even distribution of mushrooms and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs for a burst of color and extra herbal aroma. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways to suit your meal preferences:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair your steaks with roasted vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich steak and tarragon mushrooms, making for a comforting side dish.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a light, balanced meal.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
- With Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up any remaining mushroom sauce on your plate for a delicious addition to the meal.
Additional Tips for Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
Here are some tips to ensure your Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms turn out perfectly:
- Rest the Steaks: Resting the steaks after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender meat. Allow the steaks to rest before serving to ensure that the juices stay inside the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steaks are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C); for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).
- Customize the Mushrooms: If you prefer a stronger mushroom flavor, try adding shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a more earthy taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Mushrooms: Mushrooms cook down quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Aim for a soft, golden-brown color without letting them shrink too much.
- Add a Splash of Wine: If you like, add a splash of dry white wine when deglazing the pan, just before adding the beef broth. This adds a slightly tangy note that complements the richness of the dish.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is already flavorful and delicious, here are some variations you can try:
- Steaks with Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Instead of the tarragon, you can make a garlic butter sauce to pair with the mushrooms. Simply swap the tarragon for extra garlic and parsley.
- Steaks with Balsamic Mushrooms: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the mushrooms as they cook for a tangy and sweet flavor.
- Steaks with Blue Cheese Mushrooms: Crumble some blue cheese into the mushroom sauce for an extra layer of richness and a punch of flavor.
- Steaks with Creamy Spinach Mushrooms: Add fresh spinach to the mushroom sauce for a creamy, hearty variation.
- Steaks with Thyme Mushrooms: For a slightly different herbaceous flavor, swap the tarragon for fresh thyme, which pairs beautifully with steak and mushrooms.
Freezing and Storage for Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
- Freezing: While steaks themselves do not freeze well after cooking, you can freeze the mushroom sauce. Simply allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, reheat the sauce and serve over freshly cooked steaks.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the steak and mushroom sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the steak in a pan and reheat the sauce on the stove before serving.
Special Equipment for Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
Here are some special equipment items that will make preparing Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms easier:
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is perfect for searing steaks and makes for even cooking and a beautiful crust.
- Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures that your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to slice the steak and mushrooms and ensures a clean cut.
- Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is gentle on your skillet and is great for stirring the mushroom sauce.
- Sauté Pan: A large sauté pan is ideal for cooking the mushroom sauce, allowing enough room for the mushrooms to cook evenly.
FAQ Section about Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
- What type of steak is best for this recipe? Ribeye or sirloin steaks are ideal, as they offer good flavor and tenderness. However, you can also use filet mignon or strip steaks if preferred.
- Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried tarragon. Use about one teaspoon of dried tarragon for every tablespoon of fresh tarragon.
- Can I make this recipe without cream? If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit the cream and use beef broth alone to create a more savory, broth-based sauce.
- How do I know when my steak is done? The best way to determine steak doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? The mushroom sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the steaks fresh before serving.
Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms:
- 4 (6-8 oz) boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh tarragon sprigs for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Steaks: Ribeye and sirloin steaks are perfect for this recipe, offering rich flavor and tenderness. Ribeye offers a more marbled cut for extra juiciness, while sirloin provides a leaner option that is still full of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like shiitake or portobello if you prefer a more earthy taste.
- Tarragon: Fresh tarragon adds a distinct anise-like, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- Beef Broth: A splash of beef broth helps create a flavorful sauce, while also enhancing the overall savory taste of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the mushroom sauce, making it velvety and luxurious.
Instructions
Prepare the Steaks:
-
Season the Steaks: Start by seasoning both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as it helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
-
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the steaks to ensure a good sear.
-
Sear the Steaks: Add the steaks to the hot pan and cook them to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. For medium, cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred level of doneness.
-
Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.
Make the Tarragon Mushroom Sauce:
-
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
-
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra depth to the sauce.
-
Add the Cream and Tarragon: Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped tarragon. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it at this point and stir to incorporate.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Assemble and Serve:
-
Plate the Steaks: Once the steaks have rested, place them on serving plates.
-
Top with Tarragon Mushrooms: Spoon the tarragon mushroom sauce over the steaks, ensuring an even distribution of mushrooms and sauce.
-
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs for a burst of color and extra herbal aroma. Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 40g
Conclusion
Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms is a perfect dish for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a special celebration. The combination of juicy, tender steak, savory mushrooms, and aromatic tarragon creates a meal that’s full of flavor and indulgence. Easy to make, customizable, and downright delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy it with your loved ones and relish every bite!