Indulge in Flavor with Red Wine Pan Sauce

Welcome to my red wine pan sauce recipe! If you’re a fan of steak or any type of meat, then this sauce recipe is definitely something you need to try. The combination of red wine, shallots, and butter creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will perfectly complement your pan-seared steaks, pork chops, and beef tenderloin.

Using a cast-iron skillet will give your meats the perfect crust while leaving behind browned bits that can be used to make this delicious pan sauce. This recipe is easy to make and requires ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.

If you’re looking for an impressive yet simple way to elevate your steak dinner or add some flavor to your pork chops, then give this red wine pan sauce recipe a try. I guarantee it’ll soon become one of your go-to recipes for pan sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Wine Pan Sauce
Red Wine Pan Sauce

Are you looking for an easy and flavorful way to elevate your steak or pork chops? Then this red wine pan sauce recipe is just what you need. This pan sauce is made with a delicious combination of red wine, low sodium beef broth, shallots, and unsalted butter that adds depth and richness to any dish.

One of the things I love most about this red wine pan sauce recipe is how versatile it is. It works with almost any type of meat – from strip steak to beef tenderloin to pork chops – making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This sauce even goes well with some vegetarian options like mushroom dishes.

Not only is this sauce easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Plus, with just one skillet, you can make the sauce and cook your protein all at once, which means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize. You can add other ingredients like Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar to give your sauce a unique twist. And if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can always add brown sugar or cornstarch to the mix.

But perhaps the best reason why you’ll love this red wine pan sauce recipe is how it takes a simple dish and turns it into something extraordinary. The combination of tender meat and rich flavors creates a satisfying and impressive meal that will impress anyone who tries it.

So what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe and see for yourself why this red wine pan sauce will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredient List

 A rich and velvety sauce for meat lovers
A rich and velvety sauce for meat lovers

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make Red Wine Pan Sauce Recipe:

Sauce recipe ingredients:

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced (optional)

Steak pan sauce ingredients:

  • Pan drippings from cooked steak
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

Nature promise sauce ingredients:

  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 4 cups dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Whether you prefer a quick red wine reduction sauce for your pan-seared steak or want to whip up an au poivre mushroom sauce for a beef tenderloin, these sauce recipes contain everything needed for savory sauces that complement any meat perfectly.

The Recipe How-To

 A perfect pairing for a bold red wine
A perfect pairing for a bold red wine

Now let’s dive into the fun part, cooking! This red wine pan sauce is a great way to upgrade your meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of dry red wine
  • 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by heating a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, and once melted, add the finely chopped shallot.
  3. Cook until the shallot is tender and has become translucent; this should take around two minutes.
  4. Now it’s time to add the star ingredient! Pour in one cup of dry red wine and stir well with a wooden spatula, scraping the bottom of the pan to make sure you get all those browned bits for additional flavor.
  5. Let the wine simmer for several minutes until it reduces by half.
  6. Next up, add 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients until combined.
  7. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer until you’ve reached your desired thickness – this should take approximately ten minutes.
  8. Once finished, remove from heat and stir in another tablespoon of unsalted butter.
  9. Give it a final taste for seasoning adjustments.

This recipe will yield around two cups of delicious red wine pan sauce that will elevate any dish you decide to pair it with!

Substitutions and Variations

 Savor the flavorful aroma of a red wine pan sauce
Savor the flavorful aroma of a red wine pan sauce

The great thing about this red wine pan sauce recipe is that there are many ways to customize it. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

– Swap out the low-sodium beef broth for chicken broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth will work just as well in this recipe.

– Use different cuts of meat: This sauce is a great match for a variety of meats, including steak (strip steak, beef tenderloin), pork chops or loin chops. You could also try it with pan-seared chicken breast or turkey cutlets.

– Add mushrooms to the sauce: For an earthy twist, add some sliced mushrooms to the pan while you’re sautéing the shallot. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the red wine and beef broth and add a rich, savory element to your dish.

– Make it an au poivre sauce: To turn this into a classic French dish, make an au poivre-style sauce by adding cracked black pepper to the pan with the shallot. Once the meat is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add 1/4 cup cognac (or brandy) and cook for 2 minutes until reduced by half. Add 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and whisk until combined. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Return the meat to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.

– Try a wine reduction sauce: If you prefer a more concentrated sauce, try making a wine reduction instead. Simply cook 1 cup of dry red wine in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it’s reduced by half (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted.

No matter how you decide to customize this red wine pan sauce recipe, one thing is for sure – it’s a delicious and easy way to elevate any meal!

Serving and Pairing

 Elevate your dish to a restaurant-quality meal
Elevate your dish to a restaurant-quality meal

This red wine pan sauce recipe perfectly complements a buttery, juicy steak or any dish that could use a robust, savory flavor! The depth of flavors from the red wine and shallots create a complex taste that makes this sauce stand out. It’s great for adding an extra layer of complexity to pan-seared steaks, pork loin chops, or even mushroom dishes.

When it comes to pairing this sauce, you can’t go wrong with a flavorful red wine. This might include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or a similar rich and robust selection. The tannins in the wine will perfectly balance out the richness of the beef and butter in the sauce.

For best results, serve the steak with your favorite sides, garnished with freshly chopped thyme leaves or red wine reduction sauce. You can also pair this dish with balsamic vinegar glazed vegetables like asparagus, roasted potatoes or zesty garlic mashed potatoes. This pan sauce recipe is so versatile that I would encourage you to try it with any dish that needs extra flavor and complexity!

Overall, this is an easy-to-make pan sauce recipe packed with incredible flavors and endless opportunities to impress your guests or loved ones with your culinary skills!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Impress your dinner guests with this delicious sauce
Impress your dinner guests with this delicious sauce

This red wine pan sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Allow it to cool completely before covering and storing it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to five days.

When it comes to reheating, be sure to do it slowly over low heat. You don’t want to break the emulsion or burn the sauce. A small saucepan should work well for reheating.

You may also freeze this sauce for longer storage periods. I recommend using an ice cube tray to freeze smaller portions of the sauce, which can then be easily reheated as needed. When frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then slowly reheat it over low heat. The sauce will retain its consistency and flavor when properly stored.

Overall, knowing that this red wine pan sauce can be made in advance and safely stored is a great advantage when preparing a meal for guests or family. You can serve this luscious and rich wine pan sauce impromptu while entertaining or having guests over without any last-minute preparation.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Pour this luxurious sauce over your favorite cut of meat
Pour this luxurious sauce over your favorite cut of meat

The perfect pan sauce requires some finesse, but don’t worry, as a sommelier, I have a few tips to make your red wine pan sauce turn out perfectly each time.

First and foremost, ensure that your pan is hot before you add any liquids. This will allow the wine to reduce quickly and avoid having a runny sauce.

One key component of this recipe is to use low-sodium beef broth and chicken broth. This will allow you to control the seasoning in the sauce to your liking without overpowering the flavors of the red wine and shallot.

When browning meat in the pan, try not to cook it with too much oil. Too much oil can splatter when adding liquids and create a messy kitchen.

To get a deeper concentration of flavor, use Dijon mustard instead of brown sugar or balsamic vinegar. It adds a great depth of flavor that is unique and rich.

Butter is incredibly important when making this sauce since it thickens as it cools down, giving the sauce a velvety texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use olive oil instead.

Finally, let the sauce cool down for a bit before adding additional ingredients like fresh herbs or more wine. This will ensure that they don’t lose their flavors from being heated too much.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the best possible red wine pan sauce for your steak or pork chops.

FAQ

As a sommelier, I have had the opportunity to experiment with different wine sauces and pan sauces. However, I understand that when trying a new recipe, particularly one that involves a sauce or reduction, you may have questions or doubts. To address some of these concerns, I have compiled a list of FAQs related to this red wine pan sauce recipe. Read on to find out some helpful tips and tricks that will make your sauce-making experience seamless and enjoyable.

What red wine is best for pan sauce?

When it comes to smooth red wines, Merlot is a great option. With its low tannin content and fruity taste, it pairs well with various protein-based dishes. Adding it to a pan sauce or reduction can elevate the flavor profile of your meal.

How do you deglaze a pan with red wine?

As a sommelier, I always suggest using wine as a delicious addition to any dish. One way to enhance the flavor of your meal is by deglazing the pan with a bold red wine. Gently pour the wine into the hot pan and start stirring with a wooden spoon, allowing the liquid to loosen all the caramelized goodness and browned bits from the bottom. As you continue to reduce the wine, add more as needed, until the surface of the pan is completely smooth, giving your dish an irresistible richness.

How do you thicken red wine pan sauce?

To thicken your sauce, you can easily create a mixture of flour and water. Simply whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with every 1/4 cup of cold water until it becomes smooth. Then, add this mixture to your sauce while cooking it at medium heat. Don’t forget to keep stirring until it reaches the thickness you desire. This simple technique can help you achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful sauce.

What alcohol is best for pan sauce?

To enhance the flavor of pan sauces for red meats, liquids like wine, vermouth, dry sherry, broth, and stock are often used for the deglazing process. Among these options, wine is a favored choice due to its ability to add a tasty twist to the dish.

What do you use to deglaze a steak pan?

After cooking your meat in the skillet, be sure to remove any excess fat. Next, add a generous 1/3 cup of dry red wine or sweet-tasting apple juice to the pan, along with 1/4 cup of low-sodium beef broth, and finish off with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots or a clove of minced garlic. Through gently heating over medium heat, stir the mixture to blend the flavors together seamlessly. While cooking, use a spatula to scrape the deliciously flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this red wine pan sauce recipe is an easy and quick way to elevate a simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of the red wine, shallots, and thyme creates a delightful flavor that perfectly compliments any steak or pork chop. Plus, with substitutions and variations, you can make this recipe your own.

Whether you are a meat lover or wine enthusiast, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and luxurious dining experience at home. Not to mention, it’s a great way to impress guests and family members without spending hours in the kitchen.

So next time you’re in the mood for a juicy steak or savory pork chops, give this red wine pan sauce recipe a try. I guarantee you’ll love it!

Red Wine Pan Sauce

Red Wine Pan Sauce Recipe

Luxurious sauce for steak, we also like it with grilled chicken breast. From Fine Cooking.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine French
Servings 2 cup
Calories 151.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth or 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup red wine
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, preferably grainy
  • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 Tbs. of the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened but not brown, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, wine, vinegar, and mustard. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 9 minutes.
  • Off the heat, whisk in the remaining 3 Tbs. butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 94gCalories: 151.7kcalCarbohydrates: 3.6gProtein: 0.5gFat: 11.6gSaturated Fat: 7.3gCholesterol: 30.5mgSodium: 33.8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.9g
Keyword < 15 Mins, Easy, Low Protein, Sauces
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