
A historical main dish from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Broil the steak the usual way
Put one quart of oysters with very little of the liquor into a stewpan upon the fire
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When it comes to a boil, take off the skum that may rise
Stir in three ounces of butter mixed with a tablespoonful of sifted flour
Let it boil one minute until it thickens
Pour it over the steak
Serve hot
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Broiling the steak at high heat triggers the Maillard reaction, creating a flavorful browned crust while keeping the interior juicy. The butter-flour roux (beurre manié) quickly thickens the oyster liquor without lumps because the fat coats the starch granules, preventing them from clumping when added to hot liquid. Minimizing oyster liquor concentrates the briny flavor while preventing the sauce from becoming watery, and brief cooking keeps the oysters tender rather than rubbery.
The beurre manié (butter-flour mixture) can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The oysters should not be cooked ahead, as reheating will toughen them. The steak must be broiled immediately before serving for optimal texture.
This dish is best served immediately and does not store well. Leftover oyster sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but reheating will overcook the oysters and make them tough. Leftover steak can be stored separately for up to 3 days and served cold or at room temperature; do not reheat with the sauce.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The beurre manié (butter-flour mixture) can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The oysters should not be cooked ahead, as reheating will toughen them. The steak must be broiled immediately before serving for optimal texture.
This dish is best served immediately and does not store well. Leftover oyster sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but reheating will overcook the oysters and make them tough. Leftover steak can be stored separately for up to 3 days and served cold or at room temperature; do not reheat with the sauce.