Steak and Egg Hash: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Steak and egg hash. The name itself evokes images of hearty breakfasts, satisfying brunches, and comforting dinners. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between simple and sophisticated, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. This isn’t just breakfast food; it’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of day, customized to your liking, and incredibly easy to make. Forget the complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This steak and egg hash recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

## Why This Steak and Egg Hash Recipe Works

* **Flavor Powerhouse:** The combination of seared steak, crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked eggs creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a blank canvas! Swap out the steak for sausage or chicken, add your favorite vegetables, and season it to your heart’s content.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Got leftover steak? This is the perfect way to transform it into a brand-new dish.
* **Nutrient-Rich:** Packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, this hash is a complete and balanced meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This list is for a basic steak and egg hash, but feel free to adapt it to your personal preferences.

* **Steak (1 pound):** Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are all excellent choices. Aim for a cut that’s about 1 inch thick.
* **Potatoes (1.5 pounds):** Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may become slightly drier.
* **Onion (1 medium):** Yellow or white onion, diced.
* **Bell Pepper (1/2 medium):** Optional, but adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are great choices.
* **Garlic (2 cloves):** Minced.
* **Eggs (4 large):** Choose your favorite style – fried, poached, or scrambled.
* **Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):** For cooking the steak and vegetables.
* **Butter (1 tablespoon):** For extra richness and flavor when cooking the potatoes.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, hot sauce, cheese, avocado slices.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect steak and egg hash.

**Step 1: Prepare the Steak**

* **Pat the steak dry:** Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the steak. This will help it sear properly and develop a beautiful crust.
* **Season generously:** Season the steak on both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy – a generous seasoning is key to flavorful steak.
* **Let it rest:** Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.

**Step 2: Cook the Steak**

* **Heat the oil:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the oil shimmers.
* **Sear the steak:** Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
* **Rare:** 125-130°F
* **Medium-Rare:** 130-140°F
* **Medium:** 140-150°F
* **Medium-Well:** 150-160°F
* **Well-Done:** 160°F+
* **Rest the steak:** Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

**Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes**

* **Wash and dice the potatoes:** Wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes.
* **Parboil (optional):** For faster cooking and extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil them for 5-7 minutes. Place the diced potatoes in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and then simmer for the specified time. Drain well and set aside.

**Step 4: Cook the Vegetables**

* **Sauté the onion:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the skillet (the same one you used to cook the steak). Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the garlic and bell pepper (if using):** Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

**Step 5: Cook the Potatoes (Finally!)**

* **Add the potatoes to the skillet:** Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
* **Cook until golden brown and crispy:** Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 15-20 minutes. Be patient and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches.

**Step 6: Assemble the Hash**

* **Slice the steak:** While the potatoes are cooking, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
* **Add the steak to the skillet:** Add the sliced steak to the skillet with the potatoes and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the steak is heated through.

**Step 7: Cook the Eggs**

* **Choose your preferred method:** You can fry, poach, or scramble the eggs. Here’s how to fry them perfectly:
* **Fried Eggs:** Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes for runny yolks, or longer for firmer yolks. Season with salt and pepper.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

* **Divide the hash among plates:** Divide the steak and potato mixture among four plates.
* **Top with eggs:** Top each serving with a fried, poached, or scrambled egg.
* **Garnish (optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, hot sauce, cheese, or avocado slices.
* **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your delicious steak and egg hash while it’s hot!

## Tips for the Best Steak and Egg Hash

* **Use high-quality steak:** The better the quality of the steak, the better the flavor of the hash. Look for well-marbled cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the steak and potatoes from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Season generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the steak, potatoes, and vegetables generously with salt and pepper. This is key to developing flavorful layers.
* **Use the right type of potatoes:** Yukon Gold or red potatoes are best for hash because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.
* **Cook the potatoes until crispy:** Crispy potatoes are essential for a good hash. Be patient and cook them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
* **Rest the steak before slicing:** Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
* **Don’t overcook the eggs:** Overcooked eggs are dry and rubbery. Cook them to your desired level of doneness.
* **Get creative with garnishes:** Garnishes add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the hash. Try fresh parsley, chives, hot sauce, cheese, or avocado slices.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of steak and egg hash is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Add different vegetables:** Try adding mushrooms, spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes to the hash.
* **Use different meats:** Substitute the steak with sausage, bacon, chicken, or chorizo.
* **Add cheese:** Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese for extra flavor and richness.
* **Make it spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hash.
* **Use different herbs and spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, paprika, or cumin.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the steak and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
* **Top with different sauces:** Try topping the hash with hollandaise sauce, béarnaise sauce, or a simple tomato sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Steak and egg hash can be served as a main course for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Serve with toast or biscuits:** A side of toast or biscuits is perfect for soaking up the runny egg yolk and the flavorful juices from the hash.
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the hash.
* **Serve with fresh fruit:** A bowl of fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing addition to the meal.
* **Serve with coffee or juice:** Coffee or juice are classic breakfast beverages that pair well with steak and egg hash.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover steak and egg hash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the eggs separately to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the hash, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If reheating the eggs, be careful not to overcook them.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

* **Calories:** 500-600
* **Protein:** 40-50g
* **Fat:** 30-40g
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use frozen potatoes?** Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but they may not get as crispy as fresh potatoes. Thaw them slightly before cooking.
* **Can I make this ahead of time?** You can prepare the steak and potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the eggs fresh. Store the steak and potatoes separately and reheat them before adding the eggs.
* **Can I use a different type of steak?** Yes, you can use any type of steak you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?** Make sure the pan is hot enough and that you’re using enough oil or butter. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
* **Can I add cheese to the hash?** Yes, you can add cheese to the hash. Stir it in at the end of cooking so that it melts evenly.

## Conclusion

Steak and egg hash is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. With this recipe and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect steak and egg hash every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal! Bon appétit!