SEARED STEAKS WITH BOURBON-THYME PAN SAUCE, RICE PILAF WITH CRANBERRIES AND ALMONDS

Seared Steaks with Bourbon-Thyme Pan Sauce, Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Almonds image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 boneless steaks, such as fillet or rib-eye
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups instant brown rice
1/2 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic and herb seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, optional

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in large skillet. Season steaks with salt, pepper and thyme and add to hot pan. Sear 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add bourbon and cook 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook 2 minutes, until cooked to medium. Remove steaks from pan and transfer 4 of them to a serving platter. Reserve 4 steaks for another meal.
Dissolve cornstarch in remaining beef broth and add to pan. Simmer 1 minute, until sauce thickens. Spoon sauce over steaks before serving.
In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, almonds, cranberries and herb seasoning, reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.