Steak and Cake * Fine Dining on a Budget
A perfectly cooked steak, seared and basted with pan juices, topped with a delicate crab cake. Garnished with fresh lemon and chives, herbed compound butter melting over the top. What would you pay for a meal like this at a restaurant? $50-$100?
Now, what if I told you I made this at home, completely gluten free and for under $15 per serving?
Full disclosure, this is not a filet mignon. It’s a thick cut petite top sirloin that I got on sale- a package of 2 steaks for $15.50, which was half the price of the beef tenderloin. No, it is not as tender as filet mignon but it’s a good little steak with plenty of flavor.
And the crab cakes– they were made with crab from a can. Yes, they would be amazing with fresh or frozen crab meat, but remember, this was an economy meal. I made a batch in advance and reserved one especially for this dinner.
You can make this meal for one, two or more. One steak and one crab cake per person. Just imagine what a dinner party entrée this would make! What would be more surprising, that it was gluten free or that you put it all together on a budget?
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Ingredients per serving:
- 1 petite top sirloin steak, thick cut
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 lemon
- fresh chives for garnish
- 2 tbsp. compound butter (see notes)
- 1 crab cake (see recipe here)
Preparation:
Sprinkle both sides of the steak with Montreal Steak Seasoning. Preheat a heavy skillet for at least 10 minutes, you want the steak to sizzle when it hits the pan for a good sear. Just before adding the steak, coat the pan with 2 tbsp. canola oil and 1 tbsp. butter. Add the steak and cook for 4 minutes. To get that wonderful crust, do not move the steak around in the pan.

Next, turn the steak over and squeeze lemon juice and 1 tbsp. compound butter over the top. Cover and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145º (for medium). OR place it in a 350º oven, uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 145º.
To serve, top the steak with a crab cake. Garnish with chives, lemon wedges and the remaining 1 tbsp. compound butter.
What a meal! Yes, I do eat like a queen despite my dietary restrictions. 👸🏻 I hope that when I show you recipes like this one you realize that a gluten free diet does not mean food has to be boring or tasteless. In fact, I’m a bigger foodie now than I have ever been. It just takes a bit of imagination and determination. Try the recipe, you will not be disappointed!
Notes ♪♫ I used a Hexclad® skillet to cook my steak. It is a hybrid pan combining the best features of nonstick, cast iron and stainless steel. I’ve had mine for 3 years and it was worth the price tag.
Recipes for Crab Cakes and Compound Butter are linked here-

Gluten Free Steak and Cake
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A perfectly cooked steak, seared and basted with pan juices, topped with a delicate crab cake. Garnished with fresh lemon and chives, herbed compound butter melting over the top.
Ingredients
- 1 petite top sirloin steak, thick cut
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 lemon
- fresh chives for garnish
- 2 tbsp. compound butter (see recipe link)
- 1 crab cake (see recipe link)
Instructions
Sprinkle both sides of the steak with Montreal Steak Seasoning. Preheat a heavy skillet for at least 10 minutes, you want the steak to sizzle when it hits the pan for a good sear.
Just before adding the steak, coat the pan with 2 tbsp. canola oil and 1 tbsp. butter. Add the steak and cook for 4 minutes. To get that wonderful crust, do not move the steak around in the pan.
Next, turn the steak over and squeeze lemon juice and compound butter over the top. Cover and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145º (for medium). OR place it in a 350º oven, uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 145º.
To serve, top the steak with a crab cake. Garnish with chives, lemon wedges and more compound butter.
Notes
♪ Recipes for Crab Cakes and Compound Butter are linked here-
♪ I used a Hexclad® skillet to cook my steak. It is a hybrid pan combining the best features of nonstick, cast iron and stainless steel. I’ve had mine for 3 years and it was worth the price tag.
© My Gluten Free Cucina * All Rights Reserved
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.



Dry the beef with paper towels, this helps with browning.
Place the beef cubes in a food safe plastic bag with 2 tbsp. rice flour and shake to coat.
Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a
Leave those caramelized brown bits in the bottom of the pan, they are full of flavor! Set the beef aside and keep warm.
Add more olive oil to the pan with the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently, then clear a space in the center for the tomato paste.
Toast the tomato paste for a minute, then stir it into the vegetables. Add the wine, using a spatula to scrape up those browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking until the wine is reduced by half.
Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, cover and simmer on lowest heat for 2-½ hours.
Stir the sauce frequently to be sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan. A
A sauce like this deserves an extra special pasta. Check out these Gluten Free Paccheri Rigati – OMG what a find! I got them from 
Variations:





























Preparation:
























Transfer to a
When cooled, whisk in the ketchup followed by the egg and more seasoning.
Next add the beef, working it in with your hands. Gradually add the potato flakes and breadcrumbs and combine well.
Divide the meatloaf mixture between the 4 ramekins. Top with ketchup and smooth the tops with a fork.
Bake at 375º for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150º (
Serve with ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce (my favorite is 

Place one crust in the 










Preparation:











Drain the pasta and add to the pan with 1/2 cup gruyere cheese. Toss to combine.

