As the weekend is coming, put down the store-bought treats and replace them with a delicious, home-cooked meal. Executive Chef Zack Trương of Pan Pacific Hanoi is here to help with easy-to-make recipes that are sure to delight your loved ones this season.

Ingredients:

• 120g strip loin beef
• 2 tbsps of butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 red onion
• 2 tbsps fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 cups of whipping/heavy cream
• ½ tbsps of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Start by melting the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, this will take about 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its fragrance. Stir in the peppercorns and herbs of your choice, toast them gently over low heat for about a minute until fragrant.
• Then, pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
• Sear your steak to your preferred doneness, then transfer it to a warm plate to rest.
• Pour the sauce on top of the steak and serve.

The dish is served at Ming Restaurant, Level 2, Pan Pacific Hanoi, 1 Thanh Niên Road, Ba Đình District, Hà Nội. Tel: (024) 2823 8888. VNS