John Torode's côte de boeuf with caramelised shallots

Method

• step 1

  Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the shallots over a high heat until they take on a golden colour. Drain off any excess oil then add the butter, thyme, bay leaves and some seasoning. Turn down the heat and cook for a good 5 minutes turning and shaking the pan now and again. Add just enough stock to cover the base of pan and allow to reduce before adding more, keep going until the shallots are tender, sticky and caramelised.

• step 2

  Heat the oven to 240c/fan 220c/gas 8. To cook the steak, heat a griddle pan (chargrill) until very hot. Season the beef well, score the fat a little and then hold the beef fat-side down on the griddle. The fat will start to melt and this will help flavour the outside of the meat.

• step 3

  Once the fat starts to melt and char, put the beef on one side and cook for 4 minutes, then turn and cook on the other side for 4 minutes until well coloured. Turn once more, slightly rotating the steak if you want to end up with a nice crisscross pattern from the grill. Cook for 2 minutes then flip over and put in the oven for 6 minutes for rare, 8 minutes for medium rare. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the shallots and some creamy mash.