Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe feels special yet approachable. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a beautiful balance of savory steak and vibrant sauce. Perfect for entertaining, it looks impressive while remaining easy to execute.
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Cranberry Red Wine Steak Medallions: An Elegant, Flavor-Rich Dish Perfect for Special Occasions
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Elegant steak medallions seared to perfection and finished in a rich cranberry red wine sauce, ideal for a special dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into medallions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Season steak medallions with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak medallions for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in red wine and simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Add cranberries, brown sugar, rosemary, and beef broth.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Return steak medallions to the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, then serve hot with sauce.
Notes
- Let steaks rest before serving for maximum juiciness.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef steak medallions
Provide tender, juicy portions that cook quickly and evenly.
Olive oil or butter
Used for searing and adding richness.
Salt
Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and balance.
Fresh cranberries
Bring bright acidity and festive flavor to the sauce.
Red wine
Adds depth, richness, and complexity to the sauce.
Beef broth
Rounds out the sauce and adds savory body.
Brown sugar or honey
Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Garlic
Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Fresh rosemary or thyme
Infuses the sauce with earthy, herbaceous notes.
Balsamic vinegar
Enhances richness and adds subtle tang.
Directions
Begin by patting the steak medallions dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak medallions until well-browned on both sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Lower the heat and add garlic to the same skillet, stirring briefly until fragrant. Add cranberries, red wine, beef broth, brown sugar or honey, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens into a glossy consistency.
Return the steak medallions to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, allowing everything to warm together for a minute or two. Remove herbs before serving and plate the steak with generous amounts of cranberry red wine sauce.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Large skillet
Tongs
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to preserve steak tenderness.
Variations and Customizations
Orange Cranberry Steak
Add orange zest or juice for citrus brightness.
Spicy Cranberry Sauce
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Port Wine Version
Use port instead of red wine for deeper sweetness.
Herb-Forward Steak
Increase rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
Creamy Finish
Add a splash of cream at the end for richness.
Venison Medallions
Use venison for a rustic holiday alternative.
Low-Sugar Option
Reduce sweetener and rely on cranberry natural tartness.
Skillet-to-Oven Method
Finish thicker steaks in the oven.
Holiday Plating
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
Make-It-Ahead Sauce
Prepare sauce in advance and reheat when needed.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Filet mignon or sirloin medallions work beautifully.
Is the sauce very sweet?
No, it is balanced with tangy and savory notes.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are recommended for best texture.
Does the alcohol cook off?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during simmering.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well.
What wine should I use?
A dry red wine like Cabernet or Merlot works well.
Can I cook the steak to medium-well?
Yes, adjust cooking time to preference.
Is this dish good for holidays?
Absolutely, it is festive and elegant.
What sides pair best?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet.
Conclusion
Cranberry Red Wine Steak Medallions are a beautiful blend of elegance and comfort, delivering tender beef paired with a vibrant, richly flavored sauce. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or elevated home dining, this dish proves that impressive meals do not need to be complicated. With bold flavor, stunning presentation, and simple preparation, it is a recipe worth returning to whenever you want something truly special.
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