Steak Bites with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
•2 NY Strip steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes

•SPG seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic)

•Avocado oil

For the Mashed Potatoes:
•4-6 golden potatoes, peeled and cubed

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for mashing)

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter (to finish)

•1 cup warm whole milk

•Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Au Jus:
•2 cups beef broth

•1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

•1-2 tablespoons garlic paste

•1 tablespoon lemon zest

•Juice of 1/2 lemon

•3 sprigs fresh rosemary

•3 sprigs fresh thyme

•2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

•1 stick unsalted butter

For the Gravy:
•Prepared au jus

•3 tablespoons unsalted butter

•3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For Assembly:

•Chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions:
Prepare the Steak Bites
Start by taking your NY Strip steaks and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.

Place the cubes into a large bowl, sprinkle generously with SPG seasoning (a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder), and drizzle a small amount of avocado oil over them. Toss everything together thoroughly so each piece is well-coated with the seasoning and oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Caramelize the Onions
To caramelize onions, thinly slice two large onions. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes. As they cook, they will soften, release their natural sugars, and turn a rich golden brown. If the onions start to stick to the skillet, add a splash of water to loosen them. Once caramelized, remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook the Potatoes
Peel 4-6 golden potatoes and cut them into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, which will help season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until a fork slides easily through them. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander.
To mash the potatoes, use a potato ricer for the smoothest texture. Place the riced potatoes into a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of warm whole milk. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula until the butter and milk are fully incorporated. Add another 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for extra richness and season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you continue cooking.

Make the Au Jus
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of beef broth, 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1-2 tablespoons of garlic paste, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, the juice of half a lemon, 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 stick of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together, and the butter melts completely. Once the au jus is done, strain it to remove the herbs, leaving a smooth, flavorful liquid.

Make the Gravy
In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starting to bubble, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flour and butter to cook into a golden-brown roux. Slowly pour the prepared au jus into the pan, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Let the gravy simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Cook the Steak Bites
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent the steak from searing properly. Let the steak bites cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the pieces using tongs and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover with foil to keep them warm.

Assemble the Dish
Start by plating a generous portion of mashed potatoes as the base. Layer the cooked steak bites on top of the potatoes, ensuring an even distribution. Drizzle the rich gravy generously over the steak and potatoes, letting it cascade down the sides. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped chives over the dish for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal!