Steak Oscar
Steak Oscar is a classic dish that brings together juicy, tender steak topped with luscious crab meat, creamy hollandaise sauce, and fresh asparagus. The combination of the rich sauce, the…
Tip: save now, cook later.Steak Oscar is a classic dish that brings together juicy, tender steak topped with luscious crab meat, creamy hollandaise sauce, and fresh asparagus. The combination of the rich sauce, the sweet crab, and the perfectly cooked steak creates a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that feels special but is easy to make at home.
I love making Steak Oscar when I want to treat myself or impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The key is to use a good cut of steak and fresh crab for that extra touch. I like to cook the steak just right so it stays tender and juicy, and then I pile on the crab and drizzle it all with warm, silky hollandaise. It’s such a satisfying dish that everyone at the table always raves about.
When I serve Steak Oscar, I usually add some roasted potatoes or a simple green salad on the side to keep things balanced. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal but is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. I find it’s one of those recipes that turns any night into a celebration, and I always look forward to making it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Filet Mignon: This cut is tender and lean, perfect for Steak Oscar. If you want a more affordable option, sirloin or ribeye also work well but have a different texture.
Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab gives the best flavor, but canned crab meat can work in a pinch. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Asparagus: It adds a fresh, crisp contrast. If asparagus isn’t available, green beans or broccolini are great alternatives.
Hollandaise Sauce: This creamy sauce ties the dish together. You can use store-bought hollandaise for convenience, but homemade makes a big difference in flavor. Add Dijon mustard for a little tang if you like.
How Can I Make Perfect Hollandaise Sauce Without It Breaking?
Making hollandaise can feel tricky because it can split or curdle if the heat is too high or egg yolks cook too fast. Here are some tips:
- Use a double boiler and keep the water simmering gently, not boiling.
- Whisk constantly while slowly adding the warm melted butter.
- If the sauce starts to thicken too quickly, remove it from heat right away.
- If it does break, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back together.
- Serve immediately and keep warm, but don’t overheat or hold it too long.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast-iron or heavy skillet – perfect for getting a good sear on the steak.
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pot – helps you make smooth hollandaise without breaking it.
- Tongs – make flipping and handling the steak easy and safe.
- Steaming basket or grill pan – great for cooking asparagus evenly with some char.
- Whisk – essential for mixing the hollandaise sauce smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap crab with sautéed shrimp or lobster for a different seafood twist that still feels special.
- Use béarnaise sauce instead of hollandaise for a herby, tangy flavor variation.
- Add sautéed mushrooms under the crab meat to introduce earthy notes and extra texture.
- Replace asparagus with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a fresh veggie alternative.
How to Make Steak Oscar?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) filet mignon steaks, about 1.5-2 inches thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for cooking steaks
- 8 large asparagus spears, trimmed
- 4 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and warm
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the hollandaise sauce and asparagus, 8-10 minutes cooking the steaks, and a few minutes assembling and garnishing the dish. It’s a great recipe for a special dinner that doesn’t take all day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until thickened and doubled in volume. Set the bowl over simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thick. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir in Dijon mustard if you like. Remove from heat and keep warm.
2. Cook the Asparagus:
Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or sauté over medium heat until tender and slightly charred, about 4–6 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Cook the Steaks:
Season your steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
4. Assemble the Steak Oscar:
Place each rested steak on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of lump crab meat on top, then drizzle with warm hollandaise sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Serve:
Arrange the cooked asparagus on the plate beside the steak. Add lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your delicious and elegant Steak Oscar!
Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat for Steak Oscar?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the crab meat in the refrigerator overnight and drain any excess moisture before using. This helps keep the topping from becoming watery.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak, crab, and asparagus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and warm the hollandaise sauce slowly to avoid breaking it.
Can I Make the Hollandaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the hollandaise sauce a few hours in advance and keep it warm in a thermos or over very low heat. Just whisk occasionally and avoid overheating to prevent it from separating.
What Can I Serve with Steak Oscar?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or steamed rice to help soak up the rich hollandaise sauce. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables or sautéed greens.