Best Pesto Steak Confit Recipes

15-MINUTE GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH PESTO BUTTER

Steps:

• Preheat a large cast-iron grill pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Cut the skirt steak into 4 even pieces, rub with half of the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once, until charred on both sides and at the desired doneness, 6 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (depending on thickness).
• Meanwhile, whisk together the pesto, butter and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Trim the ends of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus with the remaining oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes. Working in batches if necessary, place the asparagus in a single layer on the grill pan and cook, turning once, until charred in spots and crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
• Divide the steaks and asparagus among 4 plates; top each steak with a dollop of the pesto butter. Serve immediately.

CONFIT OLIVE OIL STEAK

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• Pat filet dry. Season evenly with salt.
• Place steak into a small glass dish, about the size of the steak. Press minced garlic on top of the steak and lay thyme sprigs on top. Pour enough olive oil on top so the steak is immersed in oil.
• Cook steak in the preheated oven until the internal temperature is 135 degrees F (57 degrees C), about 40 minutes.
• Remove steak from oven and blot dry.
• Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the skillet and sear steak in the hot oil for 30 to 40 seconds on each side, including the sides. Slice and serve immediately.

SLOW-COOKER ROOT-VEGETABLE CONFIT

Steps:

• Pistachio Pesto:In a mini food processor, pulse pistachios, parsley, and garlic with oil until finely chopped. Add vinegar and cheese; pulse to combine. Transfer to a bowl. Pesto can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Makes about 1/2 cup.
• Root-Vegetable Confit:Preheat a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. Combine carrots, parsnips, beets, onions, fennel, bay leaves, coriander seeds, chiles, and oil in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until tender, about 2 1/2 hours (or on low 5 hours).
• Let cool in oil 30 minutes; then, using a slotted spoon, transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Serve, with pesto alongside.

PESTO

Steps:

• In a food processor, puree all ingredients. Refrigerate for several weeks or freeze in a tightly covered container. Toss a few tablespoons pesto with hot cooked pasta.

BASIC PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Pulse pine nuts in a food processor until they're completely broken down. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula from time to time. Add olive oil and garlic and pulse until garlic is finely chopped.
• Chop basil very roughly - just run a knife through it once or twice to cut most of the leaves into halves or thirds - then add to food processor. Pulse, stopping every 15 seconds to push the leaves down with a rubber spatula, until basil is entirely worked into the oil. Pulse for another few seconds, and then stop to prevent turning the basil brown.
• Pour pesto base into a bowl and add grated cheese and salt. Stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Leave the sauce thick to toss with cooked pasta and a little pasta cooking water. To use the pesto as a garnish for grilled or roasted meats, fish and vegetables, thin it out with 2 to 3 more tablespoons olive oil until it's the consistency of a loose paste. To store leftovers, pour a little more olive oil over the pesto to cover. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.