Shell Steaks with Red Wine Butter

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, cracked
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, cracked
• 1/2 cup ruby port
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• Vegetable oil, for grill
• 4 (10 to 12-ounce) shell steaks (also called club steak or New York steak), about 1 1/4 inches thick
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add the coriander seeds and peppercorns and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pull the pan from the heat and add the port and wine. Return the pan to the heat and, if cooking over a gas burner, tip the pan to let the alcohol ignite. (If cooking over electric or halogen, just keep cooking the mixture.) Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer briskly until syrupy, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Beat the remaining butter in a medium bowl with a handheld electric mixer or whisk until smooth and light. Add the reduced wine mixture, vinegar, parsley and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and beat until evenly mixed.

Spread a 12-inch-long piece of plastic wrap on a work surface. Mound the butter across the plastic wrap, about 2 inches from edge nearest you. Fold the bottom edge of the plastic wrap over the butter and roll it up to make a 1-inch-wide log. Twist the ends together in opposite directions (like a party favor) and refrigerate until firm.

Prepare an outdoor grill with a high fire.

Brush grill grate lightly with oil. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and black pepper, to taste. Grill 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meat reads 120 degrees F to 125 degrees F for rare; 125 degrees F to 130 degrees F for medium-rare; or 130 degrees F to 135 degrees F for medium. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each steak topped with a 3/4-inch-thick slice of the wine butter.

Cook's Note: Any leftover butter can be frozen and used with lamb and pork.