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Back to Basics: Grilling Steak
A little background. When I began What’s 4 Dinner Solutions, it was a subscription menu service. Because of the experiences of the people around me, I targeted it to families and specifically those who were intimidated by cooking. I wanted them to have easy, fool-proof recipes that kept them away from fast foods. It grew and grew and then as my life went in another direction, it kind of morphed into this blog.
I want to explore some cooking basics, just because I think everyone can use a refresher now and then. And also, while I was watching a cooking show the other night I realized I could use to improve some of my basic skills, too. I’ve gotten a little sloppy over the years.
Since it’s Memorial Day Weekend, I thought grilling would be a great place to start.
Photo by JeffreyW
Step 1 – Always have meat at room temperature before grilling. This means taking it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before grilling. Season it, cover it and set it on the counter.
Step 2- Seasoning. Start with the basics while you perfect your technique. You’ll want to salt it, lightly if it’s a thinner steak, a little heavier for a thick steak. Use pepper and garlic liberally, With these you are creating a crust that will grill up nicely on your steak. Later on you can move to coffee rubs or seasoned rubs.
Step 3 – Grilling. You’ll want a very hot flame to sear both sides of the steak. Here’s the trick, put the steak on and do not turn it until you can easily move it when you give it a push with a utensil (usually about a minute or 2). Flip it and repeat. Then move it to a medium flame (or away from direct flame on a charcoal grill) and let grill. For rare your total grilling time is about 5 minutes a side, including searing. Use a meat thermometer until you get a feel for it. NEVER cut into it to test it, see step 4. Rare to medium-rare is going to give you the best grilling experience.
Step 4 – Rest. Steak (and roasts, too) need to rest for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. This keeps your steak from losing all its juice when you cut into it. If you cut into before that, you’ll be chewing a completely dried out piece of meat, no matter how rare.
That’s it. That is a perfect steak. I’ve heard some people put a pat of butter on it as it rests, I’ve never tried it, but watch enough cooking shows and you’ll see someone do it. Some people use steak sauce…I have no idea why. A good baked potato and salad are all I need with my steak.
Have a good holiday. And remember to thank a vet somewhere along the next three days.
Hot and Sour Soup
I’ve been dithering a bit on using that tofu but I finally managed to use up about half of the block on this Tyler Florence recipe. I used the dried mushrooms I have in the pantry, some shiitakes I believe, but the original packaging is gone. I keep them in a big plastic jar. I looked for some pork to use in this thing but settled on a half chicken breast. I think I used too much corn starch thickener because the final instruction in the recipe was to stir the soup to set up a swirling current so the egg would self-incorporate. This was so thick that that just wasn’t going to happen so I stirred it with a spoon as the egg drizzled in. I never get the egg right in these things.
I’ll get around to that miso soup I talked about the other day, I swear!
Thursday Recipe Exchange: Braised Italian Chicken
Happy Thursday. I don’t know about you, but I could have used the weekend two days ago, it’s been that kind of week. Let’s get right to tonight’s ingredients: chicken and vegetables. This was really just my excuse to be able to test drive a recipe I’ve been thinking about for a while. I came across a recipe for an Italian braised chicken in a white wine sauce served over pasta and my first thought was, I wonder if you could do that with a traditional red sauce? I love chicken cacciatore, but the texture of the chicken leaves a lot to be desired. I could go with a traditional chicken parmesan, but that isn’t quite the same, the meat isn’t permeated with sauce flavor in the same way. This recipe gave me just what I was looking for, a nice textured chicken packed with flavor.
In case Italian chicken isn’t a favorite, I posted two other chicken recipes this week: Barbecue Chicken with Spinach and Grilled Lime Chicken. Next week: I’m taking requests. What would you like?
Now for tonight’s recipe:
Braised Italian Chicken
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
- Olive oil
- Flour
- Dried: basil, oregano, rosemary, cayenne pepper, pepper, salt, thyme
Sauce:
- 6-8 green onions, chopped
- 1 small zucchini cubed
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 4-6 button mushrooms, washed and sliced
- 2 tsp crushed garlic or equivalent
- 1/2 cup good red wine
- 6 oz can of tomato paste
- 14 oz can of diced tomatoes or equivalent (I use unsalted)
- 2-15oz cans of tomato sauce (again, I use unsalted)
- 2 tsp dried basil (or fresh equivalent)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (opt)
- Pinch of rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 10-16 oz of favorite pasta (I like angel hair with this dish)
Bowl, Saucepan, Skillet, Baking dish or Dutch oven
In a bowl, mix together about 2 cups of flour and a good amount of the spices. Wash and dry thighs. Dredge in flour and fry in large skillet in about 1/2 cup of olive oil (I start with skin side down and do not touch it until it moves easily when I nudge it with a fork, then I flip it). When browned on both sides, remove to a plate with paper towels to drain a bit. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and add diced vegetables, cook until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute, then add wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to mix well. Let simmer, covered, on the stovetop while chicken browns.
In baking dish, add enough sauce to come 1/2 way up the side of the baking dish. Nestle chicken in the baking dish, skin side up. Now here is the important part, ladle additional sauce AROUND the chicken as needed, but DO NOT cover the top. Leave enough room for the browned top of the chicken to remain above the sauce. This lets it braise and the skin still stay crispy. Bake, UNCOVERED, for 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, check to make sure the sauce is barely bubbling, if it is boiling, reduce heat to 300 degrees. Chicken is done when it gives easily, but not falling off the bone.
Leave remaining sauce on the stove to simmer on low while the chicken cooks, you’ll probably want extra for the pasta. Prepare pasta just before chicken is done. Serve with salad or green beans and a nice deep red wine.
Prep time is a lot on this meal, so I suggest it for weekends or special guests. I also doubled the sauce and froze 1/2 for another meal.
Tonight we also get a glossary: What is braising? What is deglazing?
Thursday Recipe Exchange: Potato Soups
Cross-posted at Balloon-Juice.
JeffreyW's Awesome Potato Soup & Homemade Bread
This week I made a pot of Creamy Potato Soup and almost immediately knew what I really wanted was the Italian potato soup I usually make. So that is my plan this evening, to put together a pot of this:
Zuppa Toscana
- 8 oz ground beef or (4 0z ground beef & 4 oz spicy sausage)
- 6 green onions, chopped (including greens)
- 2 tsp crushed garlic, divided
- 6 -8 medium potatoes, sliced thin (do not peel)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or equivalent)
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tsp to 1 tbsp dried basil, crushed
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- grated Parmesan
Large dutch oven or saucepan
Heat pan and brown ground beef, onion and 1 tsp garlic. Remove and set aside. Add chicken broth, water and potatoes to pan, bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Add meat mixture, spices and milk and let simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally to makes sure milk doesn’t scald. Just before serving, add spinach or kale and let simmer 2 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan.
Now hit the comments and share your favorite soups, potato or otherwise. Next week: Chicken & Vegetables
National Ravioli Day…NO I’m Not Kidding You
JeffreyW's Ravioli, photo by JeffreyW
JeffreyW's homemade ravioli, photo by JW himself
Ravioli w/ Rosemary Basil Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream*
- 1 tsp crushed dried rosemary (or one sprig fresh)
- 4 – 6 fresh basil leaves, minced
- 20 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp green onion tops, chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 saucepans
Combine cream & spices in saucepan, bring to a boil, stirring constantly, reduce heat and simmer until reduces to ½ cup, about 15 minutes. Cook ravioli according to package directions. Drain and return to pan. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper & cream sauce. Toss. Add scallion tops and parmesan.
*You can absolutely substitute whole or non-fat milk for heavy cream and mix well with 1 tbsp flour
It’s That Time Again
The winter cooking blahs have hit again. I am completely uninspired. Happily, it only last a few weeks and then as I anticipate fresh fruits and vegetables season, my creativity sparks.
I thought I might have a resurgence because while in San Diego we stopped at a farm stand next to an orange grove and picked up fresh oranges and strawberries. Alas, all it did, as I finished off the last orange this week, was make me long for the growing season to hurry up and arrive, but no cooking inspirations.
Come on spring!
Luckily, we have an entire blog’s worth of recipes to choose from. I chose this one: Crispy Potato Chicken. It’s a fun little recipe, and I included the complete menu:
Crispy Potato Chicken with Carrots and Banana’s Foster Ice Cream Dessert
- Crispy Potato Chicken
- Steamed Carrots in butter
- Banana Foster Ice Cream
This recipe originally called for Dijon mustard, I am not a fan, so I always omit it, but I kept it in for this incarnation. You can also add grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the potato mixture if you want to change things up a bit.
Crispy Potato Chicken
- 2-3 large potatoes, peeled
- 4 tsp crushed garlic
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (opt)
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ tsp ea. salt & pepper
- ½ tsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ice water
2 bowls & baking dish (8×8), lightly oiled
Shred potato, transfer to bowl of ice water. Rinse & dry breasts, place in baking dish and spread with garlic and optional Dijon mustard. Drain potatoes, pat dry and mix with oil & seasoning in bowl. Spread mixture over the top of the chicken pieces. Bake at 425° for 35-40 minutes, until potatoes are golden brown and chicken’s internal temperature is 185°
This is a quick and alcohol-free banana foster, if you want the real deal, try this Alton Brown recipe
Banana Foster Ice Cream
- 2 large,firm bananas, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp orange peel
- dash cinnamon & nutmeg
- 2 tbsp orange juice or pineapple juice
- 6 oz sliced almonds
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
skillet and 4 dessert bowls
Melt butter in saucepan, add bananas, sauté quickly until lightly brown. Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel and juice. Boil until syrupy, stirring constantly to keep from burning. Add ice cream to dishes, top with ¼ of banana mixture each and garnish with almonds.
Shopping List:
- 1 lb carrots
- 3 large potatoes
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 large, firm bananas
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice or pineapple juice
- 6 oz sliced almonds
- 1 quart premium vanilla ice cream
Also: butter, garlic, salt & pepper, fresh parsley, dried rosemary, olive oil, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional: Dijon mustard, Parmesan or cheddar cheese
Thursday Recipe Exchange: Vegetarian Delights
Cross posted at Balloon-Juice
I’m travelling, en route to San Diego, so you’re on your own – no keggers and try not to riot. Tonight we’re going vegetarian with two recipes. I’m often asked for vegetarian recipes, so I’m always on the lookout for good ones, can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. Next week: Fruit Desserts
I love black bean burgers, but the frozen ones can leave a lot to be desired. So I’ve been looking around for a good recipe. I found this one, but cannot tell you where, sorry to say. I’ve changed up few things, made it a bit spicier and a bit moister. Grill or fry on medium heat to keep the burgers from drying out. Makes 4 good sized burgers, though you may want to double the recipe to serve 6-8 people.
Black Bean and Cheddar Burgers
- 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained, or dry equivalent
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1-1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs soaked in 1 to 2 tbsp milk
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped, pickled jalapeno
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsps minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Serve with:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Tomato and avocado slices for garnish
In a mixing bowl, with a potato masher, mash half of beans into coarse puree; add remaining ingredients. Work mixture together by hand until it holds together easily. Shape mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Oil a large piece of aluminum foil, place on a grill set to medium heat and place burgers on the foil. You can also fry these on medium heat in a covered, well oiled skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes per side or until browned on outside and heated through to center. Serve on buns, topped with tomato and avocado.
The pasta caprese has appeared here before. I make it both vegetarian and gluten free, so it’s my go-to recipe for company. From one of our Thursday Night Menus (link includes my favorite chocolate cake):
Pasta Caprese
- 9 oz dry pasta
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 4 oz cubed mozzarella
- salt & pepper to taste
saucepan and large serving dish
Prepare pasta according to package directions. While it’s cooking, mix remaining ingredients together. Drain pasta completely (dab with paper towels, if necessary) then add to tomato mixture. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to let flavors blend. Serve warm or you can refrigerate and serve cold. Add a nice loaf of bread for a complete dinner.
I use a fairly expensive mozzarella for this dish because it’s softer, tastier and absorbs more flavors. Any locally produced mozzarella would work. Also, my local farmers’ market has a pasta vendor, who hand-makes many flavors of pasta. This dish works very well with flavored pastas – fire roasted chili, lemon pepper, tomato basil, red bell pepper – the list goes on. You can also change-up the cheese to a Queso Blanco (again, use a fairly expensive or locally produced one), use cilantro instead of basil and use a chili flavored pasta for a whole new dish. The possibilities are endless.
Posole
Just a photo tonight. Here’s a recipe, this is seriously easy to do. I used some pork left over from a secret project. 
Stay tuned!
TaMara
jeffreyww
LFern7
indylib
