**COOKING THURSDAY ~ OUR FAVORITE SLOW COOKED BROWN SUGARED CORNED BEEF ~ BLOG 365.141A

our favorite SLOW COOKED BROWN SUGAR CORNED BEEF

4-5 1/2 pound corned beef
1 sweet onion, quartered
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon Grandma’s Molasses
12 ounce Moose Drool Brown Ale
1/2 teaspoon ground bay leaf
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
Seasoning from below or Seasoning packet from meat package
1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence

1 large bag baby carrots
1 pound Baby potatoes

  • Arrange carrots, celery and onions on bottom of slow cooker.
  • Add the corned beef to a large slow cooker.
  • Tuck potatoes around the sides.
  • Whisk together the sugar, molasses and seasonings together.
  • Whisk in the beer
  • Pour over the corned beef.
  • Cover and cook 1 hour on high.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook another 5 hours.
  • Let cool slightly before slicing or shredding for Reuben sandwiches.
  • Serve with cooking juices for gravy over meat and potatoes.

SEASONING
1 tablespoon mustard seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon trim-colored peppercorns
1/2 – 1 teaspoon anise seeds
8 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods
4 LARGE bay leaves (crushed)
 or 1/2 teaspoon ground bay leaves
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

  • Heat a medium sized heavy bottomed skillet or pot over medium heat.
  • Add the mustard seeds (if using), black peppercorns, anise seeds, cloves, and cardamom pods.
  • Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are fragrant.
  • Pulse the toasted seeds and bay leaves in a spice grinder a few times.
  • Add in the ground coriander, red pepper flakes and ground ginger.
  • Use as you normally would when making corned beef.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ ENCHIRITOS aka SMOTHERED DOUBLE BAKED TAQUITOS ~ BLOG 365.134C

Taco Bell’s Enchirito is a discontinued fan-favorite where an enchilada, taquito and a burrito cross together have a menage-a-trois whose beautiful baby is the enchirito.

It consisted of a soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and diced onions, rolled up and smothered in red enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, traditionally topped with black olives. Personally, I’m not an olive fan so those are out 🙂 I’ve also changed out the flour tortillas for a golden blend that has more flavor and crisps really well. I also made them lighter by using less refried beans

Super easy AND quick with a tasty ground beef taco seasoned filling of ground beef with enchilada sauce and cream cheese is all stuffed into corn tortillas with a hint of jalapeño and cilantro before being baked until crispy. Add a heavy splash of enchilada sauce over the top, layer them with cheese and bake them again!

ENCHIRITOS aka SMOTHERED DOUBLE BAKED TAQUITOS serves 4

1 can refried beans
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning (see recipe below) or store bought seasoning
2 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature, cut into pieces
2 ounces velveeta, diced
16 to 20 corn tortillas or 8-10 golden blend (half flour, half corn) tortillas
Avocado oil
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • LIGHTLY oil a shallow baking dish or deep baking sheet.
  • In a large skillet set over medium high heat, place the beef and onion, cooking 8-10 minutes and breaking up the meat into small pieces until the fat has completely rendered and the beef is browned.
  • Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens to coat the meat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and the cream cheese, cooking and stirring 1-2 minutes, JUST until the cream cheese melts. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Working in batches, warm the tortillas in the microwave in 30-second intervals until pliable.

  • Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and rub one side with avocado oil.
  • Flip them over and spread a thin layer of refried beans.
  • Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center on to the beans.
  • Roll up like a cigar and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef.
  • Bake 10 minutes until they begin to crisp and then carefully flip them over and cook 4-5 minutes more until both sides are crispy.
  • Remove from the oven.
  • During the 1st baking time heat 2 cups on enchilada sauce in a small sauce pan. Add velveeta, stirring to completely melt into the enchilada sauce.
  • Coat the bottom of a lightly oiled 2nd baking dish with 1 cup of enchilada sauce.
  • Arrange the enchiritos over the sauce and top with the remaining enchilada sauce followed by the shredded cheese.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

2 avocados, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno, seeded and FINELY chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges, for serving
flaky sea salt
Crumbled Cotija cheese
sour cream

  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the avocados, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and a pinch of flaky salt.
  • Fold ingredients gently to mix.
  • Top the taquitos with the avocado mixture, sour cream and crumbled Cotija.
  • Serve warm with lime wedges for squeezing.

HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fine pink Himalayan salt

  • In a glass jar, combine everything, mixing well.
  • Store at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. 

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CIDER BRAISED BEEF BRISKET ~ BLOG 365.134A

As the fall became winter and the temperature continued to drop, I craved more and more slow cooked beef recipes. This adapted Half-Baked Harvest recipe full of seasonal flavors and delectable root veggies makes this the perfect show-topping dish perfect for elegant company, holiday gatherings or a week night dinner on a cool evening with plenty of leftovers for open- faced sandwiches!

CIDER BRAISED BEEF BRISKET adapted from Studio McGee 

2 1/2 pound beef brisket
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste, but be generous
1 1/2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
2 LARGE shallots, quartered
1 1/2 cups V8 SPLASH or apple cider, plus more as needed
1 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme leaves
1 1/2 cups dry weak coffee or beef broth, or better yet a combination of both
3/4 pound baby carrots or rustic cut carrots
4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
2 tablespoons maple apple butter
Flaky sea salt, for serving



  • Preheat the oven to 375º.
  • Generously season the brisket all over with salt and pepper.
  • Rub with flour to coat.
  • Heat a large Dutch oven over high heat.
  • Melt butter.
  • Add onions and cook 5 minutes or so, stirring, until they are soft and beginning to caramelize.
  • Add the shallots and 1/2 cup of the apple cider.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking 5-7 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the onions are evenly browned and most of the cider is evaporated.
  • Add the thyme and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Snuggle the brisket, fat-side down, in amongst the onions.
  • Add the remaining cider and the wine and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, adding more cider if needed to keep the meat MOSTLY covered.
  • Arrange the carrots and garlic around the brisket.
  • Cover and carefully transfer to the oven.
  • Bake 3+ hours until the meat is tender throughout.
  • Increase oven temperature to 425º .
  • Uncover the brisket and coat the top with apple butter.
  • Continue to bake 20-30 minutes more, uncovered, until the top is deeply caramelized, adding cider as needed to keep the onions moist but just barely covered with liquid.
  • Remove the brisket from the pot, place on a cutting board, and tent with aluminum foil.
  • Let stand untouched 10 minutes.
  • Slice the meat against the grain.
  • Transfer to a platter.
  • Sprinkle with flaky salt and serve the onions, carrots, and pan juices on the side.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDER BAKE ~ BLOG 365.127C

CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDER BAKE – serves 6

12 pack KING’S Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 1 1/2 pounds prepared frozen chicken tenders**SEE NOTE
3/4 cup FRESH Marinara sauce
8 ounce FRESH grated Mozzarella or Provolone slices

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • Use a long serrated knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, lengthwise, so you have a slab of rolls. Don’t pull the rolls apart or individually slice them because you want the rolls to be completely connected.
  • Place the roll bottoms side in the prepared pan.
  • 
Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken or prepared chicken tenders over the rolls.
  • Place marinara sauce over all of the chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese or a layer of provolone slices.

GARLIC BUTTER
1/2 cup butter
3 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon FRESH minced parsley
2 Tablespoons FRESH chopped basil
1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons FRESHLY grated Parmesan Cheese

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese.
  • Evenly brush the butter mixture all over the roll tops.

  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Uncover and bake for 3 to 5 minutes more.
  • Serve hot!

NOTE:

  • The 2 different types of chicken make for entirely different textures, but both are really good!
  • Definitely a knife and fork sandwich.
  • Slightly freezing the mozzarella ball before grating makes it easier to to shred.

 

COOKING THURSDAY ~ PUB ROAST ~ BLOG 365.127B

This is the most simple, tender AND flavorful roast you will ever make!

PUB ROAST

2-3 pound chuck roast
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup
12 ounce can Moose Drool Brown Ale
1 sweet onion, sliced
2 cups baby carrots
3 cups baby potatoes

  • Layer carrots and onions into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Place chuck roast on top of carrot and onion layer.
  • Sprinkle top of roast with onion soup mix.
  • Pour beer over top of soup mix.
  • Cover and cook on LOW 4-5 hours or until fork tender.

NOTE: Can also be made in the oven at 325° for 3 hours.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ ORANGE GLAZED MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 365.127A

ORANGE GLAZED MEATBALLS

20 meatballs, homemade (browned) or fully cooked Angus beef meatballs
12 ounces orange marmalade (I used blood orange pepper jelly)
1/4 cup orange juice
3 green onions, FINELY chopped, reserve some for garnish
1 jalapeño, de-seeded and de-veined, FINELY diced

  • In a small saucepan whisk together the jelly and orange juice until smooth.
  • Stir in most of the green onions and jalapeño.
  • Simmer until cooked through and warm.
  • Pour glaze over meatballs, tossing to coat.
  • Garnish with remaining green onions and serve immediately.

NOTE: These keep warm in a small crock pot for buffets or tailgating.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ BAKED CARROT CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.120.C

BAKED CARROT CASSEROLE serves 4

2 cups homemade chicken broth
3/4 pound carrots, sliced thin
1/3 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons FINELY chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon creamy horseradish
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 Ritz crackers, crushed

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Add chicken broth and sliced carrots to a sauce pan.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat, a simmer 7-9 minutes until carrots are fork tender.
  • Drain, reserving 1/8 cup of broth.
  • Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Whisk together the reserved chicken broth, mayonnaise, horseradish, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Fold in carrots.
  • Arrange carrot mixture in prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with crushed crackers.
  • Bake uncovered 30 minutes.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CORN CHILE CHICKEN RELLENO SOUFFLE ~ BLOG 365.120B

This souffle is PERFECT for a weeknight meal or a holiday brunch.

CORN CHILE CHICKEN RELLENO SOUFFLE serves 3-4

1 LARGE can Hatch chopped green chiles, drained
1 can Green Giant Mexicorn
1 small jalapeno, de-seeded and small diced, optional

1 SMALL can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch green onions, sliced – reserve some for garnish
1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup + 1/2 cup FRESH grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup JIFFY baking mix
1 cup WHOLE milk
1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
Salsa, garnish
Sour cream, garnish
Olives, optional garnish

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly grease 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
  • Spread green chiles, green onions, corn, black beans and jalapenos if using.
  • Sprinkle with chicken pieces.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Whisk together the eggs, biscuit mix, milk and pepper until smooth.
  • Fold in cottage cheese until well blended.
  • Pour mixture over top ingredients already in baking dish.
  • Top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake 50-60 minutes until golden brown, puffy and cooked through.
  • Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with Salsa, sour cream, sliced green onions and optional olives.

NOTE:

  • Recipe easily doubles for a 9×13 baking dish.
  • UNBAKED casserole can be covered and refrigerated for several hours or overnight before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking while you’re preheating oven. May require a bit more time baking.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SHEET PAN MAC & CHEESE with CRISPY EDGES ~ BLOG 365.120A

Mac and cheese HAS to be creamy AND have crispy edges for my family!!! I’ve found THE best way to accomplish this is to use a deep jelly roll baking sheet. That way everyone gets the best of both worlds. I keep trying to reinvent this recipe and think I’m FINALLY there!

The other MAJOR requirement is to use FRESH grated cheeses for the BEST results!

SHEET PAN MAC & CHEESE with CRISPY EDGES – SERVES 8

1 pound elbow macaroni or shells
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
2 cups WHOLE milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced into paste
1 medium shallot, FINELY minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
FRESH ground black pepper
2-3 green onions, THINLY sliced for garnish

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Arrange an oven rack 6 inches from broiler.
  • Lightly spray large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente per package instructions. Drain well. Return pasta to hot pot. Stir in cream cheese and Dijon until cream cheese is melted and pasta is well coated. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add garlic and shallot, cooking and stirring 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Whisk in cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne until lightly browned.
  • Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until slightly thickened. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and jack cheese until melted.
  • Pour and fold into pasta mixture until well combined; season again to taste.
  • Pour onto baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with Colby Jack cheese.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes until all the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
  • Top with green onions.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE: For best results use FRESHLY grated cheeses, NOT prepackaged.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHEESEBURGER WRAPS ~ BLOG 365.113C

CHEESEBURGER WRAPS serves 4
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, FINELY chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
LARGE flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella optional, for extra melt
½ cup chopped pickles
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato diced

SAUCE optional, but HIGHLY recommended
¼ cup DUKES mayonnaise
2 tablespoons QUALITY ketchup* (SEE NOTE)
1 teaspoon mustard

  • Heat skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and chopped onion* (SEE NOTE).
  • Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Brown for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until fully browned.
  • Stir well and remove from heat, draining off excess fat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
  • Lay a tortilla flat.
  • Spread a spoonful of sauce in the center.
  • Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
  • Place wraps seam-side down in a hot skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.

NOTE:

  • We like FRESH chopped red onion instead of cooked onion. It’s also good to use both!
  • We also like to use jalapeno ketchup.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ DISNEY DAY ~ BLOG 365.113B

DISNEY PIMIENTO CHEESE

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced, Optional
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, Optional
¼ teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground salt and black pepper to taste

  • Place Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimento, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and onion powder in a large bowl, mixiing until thoroughly combined.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

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Some sites have said the best way to make these sandwiches is with their pimiento cheese. You decide and judge for yourself.

COPY CAT DISNEY GRILLED CHEESE (WOODY’S LUNCH BOX DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS) 
CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine cream cheese, cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor, blending until smooth.
  • Set aside.

GARLIC SPREAD
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

  • Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended.
  • Set aside.

SANDWICH
8 slices of artisan bread
8 cheddar cheese slices
8 provolone slices

  • Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  • Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices.
  • Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  • Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone.
  • Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  • Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  • Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  • Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

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TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

Looking to start your day magically? Try this crave worthy copy cat Disney recipe of Tonga Toast, a fruit stuffed French toast that satisfies ANY & EVERY sweet tooth.

There’s a reason why it’s a fan favorite – and a taste of Disney that everyone talks about. Sweet treats like this are crave-worthy! For the full recipe, see the printable recipe card below! 

Tonga Toast is a must-have Disney breakfast, but it also makes a wonderful dessert for whoever the craving hits for sweet AND fruity!! This fruity stuffed French toast is soft, sweet, and absolutely scrumptious!  

TONGA TOAST aka THE MAGIC KINGDOM @ HOME

CINNAMON SUGAR
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons QUALITY ground cinnamon

  • In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar. Set aside.

TOAST
4 LARGE eggs
1 1/2 cups WHOLE milk
1/4 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
1 loaf sourdough bread, whole
2 LARGE bananas, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise and then in half to get 4 pieces from each banana
4 cups oil or shortening for frying

  • In a deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
  • Slice the two ends off the loaf of bread.
  • Slice the loaf into four equal pieces.
  • In the top of each slice, use a knife to make a slit 3” long across the top and deep enough to reach the bottom crust of the bread without slicing through it.
  • Stuff two of the banana slices side by side vertically into each of the four prepared bread slices.
  • Fill a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven with at least 4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°. Use a candy thermometer to continually monitor the temperature.
  • Submerge each of the prepared bread slices into the egg/milk mixture. Soak for 1-2 minutes, then turn and soak it another 1-2 minutes on the other side to permeate the bread. The thickness of the slice and structure of the sourdough should hold up to soaking for quite some time.
  • When the oil is hot enough, use a pair of tongs to lift the bread from the batter, allowing the excess batter to drip off, and then carefully transfer the bread into the hot oil.
  • Fry 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping the slice when it is golden brown.
  • When the toast is golden brown all over, lift it from the hot oil and blot it on paper towels to remove excess oil so toast doesn’t get soggy from extra moisture.
  • While the toast is still warm, set it in the bowl of cinnamon sugar and toss to coat it. Spoon sugar over top as necessary.
  • Repeat process with remaining toasts.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, a QUALITY honey or your favorite flavor compote or jam.

NOTES:

  • You can use any artisan bread of choice, but I recommend sourdough because it’s sturdy and doesn’t get overly soggy when dipped in batter. It also does a great job holding the bananas. I recommend starting with a whole sourdough loaf instead of pre-sliced sourdough. Most pre-sliced sourdough is cut TOO thin.
  • Use large bananas that are ripe, BUT NOT TOO RIPE — they should be fully yellow with some scattered brown spots. Once they’re overripe, they will be too mushy to use.
  • The cinnamon sugar coated toast is tasty on its own, but you can enjoy it with a variety of different toppings, such as maple syrup or your favorite flavored jam. And if you like peanut butter and bananas try drizzling a little bit of peanut butter over top! 
  • Make sure your oil is at least 4 inches deep and HOT. The sourdough slices are thick and will float to the top as they cook, so a deep pot of oil will keep half of the slice submerged at all times. Just flip to cook the other half! Using a candy thermometer ensures your oil is a constant 375°. 

Be sure and watch the temperature between batches. If it dips, be sure to bring it back up before adding another slice.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ GARLIC BUTTER BANG BANG STEAK BITES ~ BLOG 365.106D

Hubby absolutely LOVES the steak bites at 2 of our favorite restaurants. With the cost of eating out I decided to create them at home. This recipe is modified from Half Baked Harvest They are REALLY tasty and quick to make, not to mention absolutely delicious. YES, it bears repeating – they are that good! 🙂

One of the keys to the success of this recipe is using a REALLY hot skillet to get your best sear on the steak pieces. Now add the garlicky butter sauce to reach PURE perfection. And if that isn’t enough top it with the BANG BANG sauce to reach Nirvana.

GARLIC BUTTER BANG BANG STEAK BITES • Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 15 minutes • Total time: 30 minutes

BITES
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 pounds beef tenderloin or rib-eye steak, cut into cubes
Freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
1⁄4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
3-4 garlic cloves, FINELY chopped
1 teaspoon Garden Gourmet ginger paste
Chopped Thai basil, for serving

  • Place a large skillet over high heat and add the avocado oil.
  • Pat the steak dry and season all over with pepper.
  • Add the steak to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes, undisturbed, until it is well-browned on the bottom.
  • Stir and cook 3-5 minutes more, until the steak is browned on all sides.
  • Add the butter, liquid aminos, garlic, and ginger, tossing to coat and cooking 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

SAUCE
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
⅓ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
1-2 garlic cloves, FINELY chopped or grated
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 tablespoon FRESH lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped pickled sushi ginger

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the mayo, chili sauce, liquid aminos, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, and ginger paste until well blended.
  • Sprinkle the Thai basil over the beef.
  • Spoon the garlic butter over the top.
  • Serve with the bang bang sauce alongside for dipping.

NOTES:
We often toss the bites with the BANG BANG sauce if it’s just the 2 of us AS WELL AS serve them with dipping sauce on the side.