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Côte de Boeuf with Spring Vegetables & Light Pan Jus

A French‑trimmed côte de boeuf makes an impressive yet relaxed centrepiece for a spring Sunday lunch. Cooked using a classic pan‑sear and oven‑roast method, it develops a deep, savoury crust while staying tender and pink within. Served with bright seasonal vegetables and a light jus, it feels generous yet fresh.

INGREDIENTS

For the beef

  • 900 g French‑trimmed côte de boeuf
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 25 g butter

For the spring vegetables

  • 300 g new potatoes
  • 150 g asparagus spears
  • 100 g fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 small bunch spring onions
  • 20 g butter
  • Small handful fresh mint, chopped

For the light pan jus

  • 100 ml good beef stock
  • 50 ml dry white wine
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
METHOD

  1. Remove the côte de boeuf from the fridge 45–60 minutes before cooking. Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180 °C fan.
  3. Heat a heavy frying pan or cast‑iron skillet until very hot. Add the olive oil.
  4. Sear the beef for 3–4 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until a deep golden crust forms. Sear the fat edge briefly as well.
  5. Add the butter, garlic and herbs and baste the steak for a minute.
  6. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
  7. Remove the beef to a warm plate and rest loosely covered for 10–15 minutes.

Prepare the vegetables while the beef rests: 8. Boil the new potatoes in salted water until tender. 9. Steam or blanch the asparagus and peas briefly until just cooked and vibrant. 10. Drain the potatoes and toss together with butter, sliced spring onions and mint. Season lightly.

Make the jus: 11. Place the frying pan back over medium heat. 12. Add the white wine and allow it to bubble and reduce slightly, scraping any browned bits from the base. 13. Add the beef stock and Dijon mustard and simmer until lightly thickened and glossy.

  1. Carve the côte de boeuf away from the bone, slice thickly across the grain and serve with the vegetables and warm jus.

Multi‑Cooker Option (Ninja Foodi)

  • Preheat on Air Crisp 200 °C.
  • Cook the beef for 8 minutes, turning halfway, to build colour.
  • Reduce heat to 180 °C and cook for a further 10–14 minutes depending on preferred doneness.
  • Add butter, garlic and herbs for the final few minutes.
  • Rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.

Internal temperature guide:

  • Rare: 50–52 °C
  • Medium‑rare: 54–56 °C
  • Medium: 58–60 °C

Sides

  • Buttered Jersey Royal potatoes with mint
  • Braised spring greens with lemon and olive oil
  • Young carrots glazed with honey and thyme
  • Pea and broad bean crush with rapeseed oil
  • Light leek gratin with a gentle cheese sauce
  • Rocket salad with shaved Parmesan

Matches

  • Garlic
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon zest
  • Parsley
  • Shallots
  • Anchovy
  • Olive oil
  • Light beef or veal jus
Preparation Time: Around 15 minutes active preparation plus time for the meat to come to room temperature.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20–25 minutes cooking plus 10–15 minutes resting.

Hot Tips

  • Bring the beef properly towards room temperature before cooking so the centre cooks more evenly.
  • Pat the surface dry before seasoning to help it colour well in the pan.
  • Use a meat probe if you have one. For a côte de boeuf, temperature is far more reliable than timing alone.
  • Resting is essential. A rested steak will carve more neatly and keep more of its juices.
  • If the fat along the eye of the beef is thick, spend a little time rendering that edge in the pan for extra richness and better texture.
  • Warm the serving platter before carving and plating so the beef stays at its best at the table.