J&G Steak Sauce

By BobD

A sort of cross between A1 and Lea & Perrins, two steak sauces Jean-Georges Vongerichten admires for their assertive flavors, the chef created this rich, tamarind-inflected blend for his J&G Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona. The sauce will keep for weeks in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 1 red Thai chile, minced
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate (see Note)
• 1 oil-packed anchovy fillet, chopped
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 star anise pod
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 cup water, at room temperature
• Salt

Details

Servings 3
Cooking time 60mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, soak the raisins in the hot water until plumped, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the Thai chile and cook 1 minute longer.

In a large saucepan, mix the sugar with the molasses and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is melted and lightly caramelized, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, tamarind concentrate, anchovy, chipotle, thyme and orange zest and cook until a thick paste forms, about 1 minute. Stir in the vinegar, star anise, cloves and the shallot mixture. Add the raisins with their soaking liquid along with the room-temperature water. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree until very smooth. Season with salt and let cool completely before serving.