Thomas Keller's Skirt Steak with Carmelized Onions

I love two things about this recipe. First, it brings massive flavor to an economical cut of steak. Secondly, once the glaze is made it cooks up in minutes. Thomas Keller is one of the top chefs in the world and this may be his most accessible dish.

Ingredients

For the steak and shallots:

4 10-ounce pieces trimmed outside skirt steak

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup canola oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cups thinly sliced shallots

4 teaspoons minced thyme

For the salad:

2 to 3 ounces watercress, large stems removed (if you can't find

watercress use any flat leaf lettuce, I used bib and baby lettuce in my dish,)

2 teaspoons minced shallots

1 teaspoon minced Italian parsley

1 teaspoon minced tarragon

1 teaspoon minced chives

1 teaspoon minced chervil ( these are hard to find, there is no shame in using dried chervil, you can also just add a little extra parsley and tarragon and leave this out, it's only 1 teaspoon)

extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the red wine jus:

1 bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon

1 cup diced Sweet onions (1/2-inch thick)

1 cup peeled and sliced carrots (1/2-inch thick)

1 cup sliced leeks, white and light green parts only (1/4-inch thick)

1 cup sliced shallots (1/4-inch thick)

1 cup sliced button mushrooms (1/4-inch thick)

3 thyme sprigs

6 Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

3 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

5 cups veal or beef stock

Directions

To make the red wine jus:

1. Combine all the ingredients except the stock in a wide heavy saucepan or pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wine has reduced almost to a glaze. Add the veal stock, bring to a simmer, and simmer for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare an ice bath. Strain the jus several times through a fine-mesh strainer or a colander lined with cheesecloth. Cool in the ice bath, stirring occasionally. (You can refrigerate the red wine jus for up to 3 days. Warm over low heat just before serving.)

To make the steak and shallots:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the salt and pepper will also season the shallots as they cook.

3. Heat two large skillets over medium-high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons canola oil to each skillet. When the oil is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter to each skillet, swirling them to brown the butter. Add the steaks and sear the first side for about 1 1/2 minutes, or until nicely browned. Turn the steaks to brown the second side, tilt the skillets, and use a spoon to baste the meat with the oil and butter. After about 3 minutes, total cooking, remove the skillets from the heat and transfer the meat to a baking pan. Set aside while you cook the shallots.

4. Set the skillets, with the butter and oil, over medium heat. Add half the sliced shallots to each skillet, toss them in the oil and butter, and cook for about 2 minutes, until they have started to soften. Combine all the shallots in one skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the thyme, reduce the heat, and cook gently until the shallots are completely softened and golden brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize.

5. Stir any juices that have accumulated around the steaks into the shallots, then spread the shallots over the steaks. Place in the oven to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the steaks are medium-rare.

To make the salad and serve:

1. Place the watercress in a bowl and toss with the minced shallots, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Place the steaks on serving plates and spoon about 2 tablespoons jus alongside each one.