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Steak Florentine

This classic Steak Florentine is a sophisticated yet simple dish that brings the flavours of a traditional steakhouse into your home kitchen. By pairing lean cuts of beef with a generous bed of wilted spinach, this recipe balances rich textures with fresh, vibrant greens. The steaks are seared to perfection before being finished under the grill with a delicate topping of golden garlic butter and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a savoury crust that enhances the natural flavour of the meat.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious evening meal. The inclusion of iron-rich spinach provides a healthy boost, while the controlled use of fats ensures the meal remains balanced without compromising on taste. Serve these steaks individually for a special occasion or a quick weekend treat that feels truly indulgent.

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Ingredients for Steak Florentine

  • Two 275g round or butt steaks, each about 1 inch thick

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot (1 small shallot)

  • 450g fresh spinach, stemmed

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to make Steak Florentine

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 204°C.

In a large sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat and when hot, add the shallots and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft. Add the spinach to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, or until the spinach just wilts. Do not let it get too limp. Remove the pan from the heat, cover to keep warm, and set aside.

In a small sauté pan, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat and cook the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes or until it begins to brown. Set aside.

Lightly sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper.

In another large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and when very hot, sear the steaks for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the steaks to a roasting pan and roast for 3 to 4 minutes or until barely medium-rare.

Remove the steaks from the oven and turn on the grill.Drain the liquid from the spinach and spread the spinach in a grill pan. Set the steaks on top of the spinach and then top each steak with the garlic and butter. Sprinkle a tablespoon of cheese over each steak and grill for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese melts and is lightly browned. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Divide between 2 plates.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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