Steaks & Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the potatoes. Grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater. Peel the carrots. Quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. In a bowl, whisk together the soy glaze, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and ¼ cup of warm water until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water and cook 17 to 19 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the grated cheese and butter. Using a fork or potato masher, mash to your desired consistency. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, line a sheet pan with foil. Place the carrot pieces and zucchini pieces on the foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 16 to 18 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes for medium-rare (125°F), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes. 

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this.

While the steaks rest, add the chopped garlic to the pan of reserved fond (if the pan seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil). Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add the sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any fond, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the sliced steaks with the mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Top the steaks with the finished steak sauce. Enjoy!