Chef John's Steak Sauce Recipe

Homemade Steak Sauce (also good with pork chops

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

a pinch of cayenne

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 garlic clove cut in half. Don't crush it; you just want a hint of garlic.

Give that a mix and put it on the stove on low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. When I say low simmer, I mean you want the bubbles just breaking the surface.

After 15 minutes, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Squeeze out all the juice and refrigerate.

Note: I have found that I much prefer putting sauces on the plate and then adding the meat so the meat juices mix with the sauce and make it exponentially better. But that's just how I roll, you are clearly welcome to do whatever you like.