Seared Kobe Beef with Truffle-Shiitake Sauce
 
Serves 4 as appetizer

12 ounces Kobe beef ribeye
2 shallots, minced
2 cups sliced shiitakes, stems removed
1 cup red wine
2 cups chicken stock
Cornstarch slurry (1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons water)
1 tablespoon truffle oil
Canola oil for cooking
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Season the steak well with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Do not put oil in the pan, the Kobe will give off enough fat to keep it from sticking. Sear the Kobe on both sides until brown and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes a side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, in that same skillet now coated with the rendered fat from the Kobe beef, combine the shallots and shiitakes, season, and sauté over medium heat until softened, about two minutes. Deglaze with red wine and reduce completely. Add the chicken stock and reduce by 25%. Whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken and whisk in truffle oil. Check for flavor and season if necessary. To serve, slice the steak and shingle on 4 small plates and spoon sauce over.