Category: BEEF

MONGOLIAN BEEF ala INSTANT POT

MONGOLIAN BEEF serves 6

2 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips across the grain
1/3 cup cornstarch
2-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic
3/4 cup soy sauce (I used low sodium)
1 cup water
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
1 cup shredded or julienned carrots
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooked white rice

  • Place flank steak strips in a 1 gallon resealable bag.
  • Add cornstarch, seal bag and shake to coat evenly.
  • In a medium bowl, add ginger root, garlic, soy sauce,  water, brown sugar and Hoisin sauce stirring well to combine.
  • Set your Instant Pot to the saute setting.
  • Add olive oil.
  • When olive oil is heated, add beef and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour mixture over beef and stir to combine.
  • Add carrots and stir again.
  • Turn Instant Pot off.
  • Place the lid on and lock.
  • Steam release knob should be set on “sealing”.
  • Cook on manual setting (high pressure) for 10 minutes.
  • Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove lid and stir.
  • Serve over cooked white rice and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

BROWN GRAVY MEATBALLS

This recipe is great all by itself, but I like to make it along with the CHEESY CORN BREAD PUDDING for two reasons. The first reason being that I use the bacon grease to brown the meatballs in and the second being that the brown gravy is absolutely delicious over the corn bread pudding. These two recipes compliment each other PERFECTLY 😀 the CORN BREAD PUDDING will post in a couple days.
BROWN GRAVY MEATBALLS makes 30 golf ball sized Meatballs and 3 cups of gravy
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup grated onion
1/4 cup half and half
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 egg
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon beef base
3 tablespoons WONDRA
1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional – mainly for color)

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Spray baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
  • Whisk together the onion, half and half, cornstarch, egg, salt, nutmeg, allspice and pepper.
  • Add beef and pork, mixing to combine.
  • Portion into 30 meatballs, roll and set aside.
  • In a large skillet melt butter and avocado oil over medium high heat.
  • Add meatballs and gently brown all over, but do NOT cook all the way through. Transfer meatballs to baking dish.
  • Add 3 1/2 cups broth to pan and deglaze scraping up all the bits from the pan.
  • Stir in beef base and bring to a simmer.
  • Whisk together the WONDRA with remaining broth and kitchen bouquet if using. Add to gravy stirring constantly until thickened.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Pour gravy over meatballs, cover and transfer to oven for 35 minutes or until cooked through.

WHISKEY MOLASSES SHREDDED BEEF with APPLE CARROT SLAW

WHISKEY MOLASSES SHREDDED BEEF ala SLOW COOKER with APPLE CARROT SLAW
2 1/2-3 pound Beef Bottom Round Roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup whiskey (I like Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
6 ounces tomato paste
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasse1/4 cup PURE maple syrup
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

  • Place roast in 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  • Combine whiskey, 1/4 cup vinegar, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, honey, salt and pepper; pour over roast.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 6 hours or on LOW 8 to 10 hours, or until beef is, fork-tender.
  • Remove roast from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks.
  • Skim fat from sauce as needed.
  • Return beef to slow cooker.
  • Serve beef with slaw.

ALTERNATE COOKING METHOD This recipe can also be made in a pressure cooker.

  • Place beef Bottom Round Roast in pressure cooker; add 1/2 cup beef broth.
  • Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 60 minutes on pressure cooker timer.
  • Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid.
  • Shred beef; return to pressure cooker.
  • Combine cooking liquid, whiskey, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, molasses, salt and pepper in small saucepan and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
  • Combine sauce and shredded beef.

APPLE CARROT SLAW

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 cups shredded carrots
2 cups diced granny smith apple
1/4 cup golden raisins

  • Whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, mayonnaise and remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar in large bowl.
  • Add carrots, apples and golden raisins; toss until well coated.
  • Season with salt and black pepper, as desired.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

MONGOLIAN BEEF

This MONGOLIAN BEEF recipe is a MORE AUTHENTIC crispy, flavorful tasty homemade version than the sweet gloopy restaurant style Mongolian Beef you see in many restaurants.

1 pound flank steak, sliced against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices SEE NOTES
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1 egg white
1 teaspoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
1 small can crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • Drain pineapple into a sieve.  Save the pineapple pieces for later.
  • Whisk together avocado oil, liquid aminos, pineapple juice, egg white and cornstarch until well blended.
  • Pour over beef pieces in a large bowl, stirring to coat well.
  • Cover and marinate the beef for 1 hour.

¼ cup cornstarch

  • Dredge the meat in the remaining ¼ cup of cornstarch until lightly coated. I go old school and use a paper bag to shake it well.

⅓ cup avocado oil
2 stalks celery, sliced on the diagonal
2 carrots, sliced thin on the diagonal
1 shallot, side thin

  • Heat over high heat.
  • Lay the flank steak pieces in an even single layer in the wok, and let sear for 1 minute.
  • Flip meat and sear another 30 seconds.
  • Remove meat and keep warm.
  • Add celery, carrots and shallot slices, stir frying a minute or more until soft.
  • Remove to meat platter and keep warm.

½ teaspoon minced ginger
1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-inch long slices on the diagonal

  • Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the wok and turn the heat to medium-high.
  • Add the ginger and peppers flakes.
  • After 15 seconds, add the garlic.
  • Stir for another 10 seconds.
  • Add the liquid aminos and chicken stock. Bring the sauce to a simmer, add the brown sugar, and stir until dissolved.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.
  • Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry mixture–until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.  SEE NOTES
  • Add the beef, veggies and scallions and toss everything for another 30 seconds.
  • Serve over rice or noodles.
  • Garnish with the crushed pineapple.

NOTES:

  • Flap meat like that used for carne asada works really well also.
  • There should be almost NO liquid as the sauce clings to the beef. If there is still liquid sauce, increase the heat slightly and stir until completely thickened.

BEEF RAGU & PASTA ala SLOW COOKER and A LITTLE PASTA HISTORY

Strozzapreti AKA priest-choker or priest-strangler are an elongated form of cavatelli, a hand-rolled pasta typical of the Tuscany region of Italy.

The name has many theories as to the name. One of the theories is because of gluttonous priests were so enthralled by the savory pasta that they ate too quickly and choked themselves. Another explanation involves the “azdora” OR A  ”housewife” who “chokes” the dough strips to make the strozzapreti. It is presumed that the housewife would express such a rage possibly triggered by the misery and difficulty of her life that would fill her with enough rage to be able to strangle a priest!” And yet another legend suggests that wives would customarily make pasta for priests as partial payment for land rents (the Catholic church rented to many farmers) and their husbands would be angered enough by the priests eating their wives’ food to wish that the priests would choke as they stuffed their mouths with it. And yet another possible explanation is that the pasta resembles a clerical collar which is commonly referred to as a “Priest Choker”.

The more commonly accepted theory is that following Sunday mass, a priest would visit homes of the villagers and enjoy dinner with them. The more pleasant the experience for the priest the more often they would come back to that particular home. As a means for the family to let the priest know that he might have worn out his welcome, they would serve this pasta which later earned the name “Strozzapreti.”

The dough is first rolled out in thick flat sheets. It is then cut into strips. The strips are lightly rolled or twisted between the palms. The large pasta is separated into 3-4 inch pieces by pinching it. Unlike spaghetti or macaroni, this pasta is not uniform in size or shape.

Different regions makes this pasta slightly different. In Romagna it is made with wheat flour, water, salt and sometimes eggs. Where as in Emilia it is made from flour, water, Parmesan cheese and egg whites which are all beaten together. In Pici it is more similar to the Tuscan style which is hand rolled, solid fat tubes of dough that are cut, but not twisted giving it the appearance of a taut rope. In Corsica it is a large gnocchi made of cheese and vegetables and then baked.

Unless you make your own pasta regularly this is a difficult pasta to find in your average grocery store. I usually substitute the Barilla Campagnelle pasta which is a thinner cone shaped pasta with a ruffled edge and is often known as “little bells”.

BEEF RAGU ala SLOW COOKER
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 -3 pound chuck roast
1 tablespoon House Seasoning (see below)
28 ounce crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Prepared pasta
Parmesan cheese, grated

  • Spray a large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Arrange the onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the roast with the house seasoning on both sides.
  • Arrange roast on top of the onions and garlic.
  • Sprinkle the carrots on top of the roast.
  • In a medium bowl, blend together the tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine vinegar and Italian seasonings.
  • Pour over the roast.
  • Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours until the beef is EXTREMELY tender and falls apart.
  • Skim any fat from the top.
  • Use 2 forks to shred the beef.
  • Stir beef into the tomato sauce.
  • Adjust seasonings.
  • Re-cover and cook for another hour to allow the flavored to meld together.
  • Serve over prepared pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.

HOUSE SEASONING MIX

1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon FRESH ground black pepper

  • Combine in a small bowl until well blended.
  • Store in an air tight container.

 

SLOW COOKED SWEDISH MEATBALLS

I found this recipe in Real Food Slow Cooker Suppers: Easy, Family-Friendly Recipes from Scratch By Samantha Skaggs

I love that they start by saying “If you’ve ever visited a certain, large, Swedish, rat-maze-like furniture store”…. Gee I wonder if they mean IKEA LOL 😀 I did adapt it slightly, but the final product is REALLY similar and VERY tasty!

SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS
MEATBALLS
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup FRESH sourdough bread crumbs
1/2 cup WHOLE milk
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
FRESH ground pepper, to taste

  • Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, seasonings, salt and pepper.
  • Form ping pong sized meatballs, about 24 of them.
  • Arrange meatballs in a couple layers in large slow cooker.

GRAVY
3 cups beef consommé
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon House Seasoning
1/3 cup sour cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk together the consomme’, flour, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and house seasoning.
  • Pour this over the meatballs evenly.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until meatballs are cooked through, but still tender.
  • Using a slotted spoon remove meatballs to serving platter.
  • Skin any fat from the gravy.
  • Add sour cream to a small bowl.
  • Add a couple spoonfuls of gravy to the sour cream and whisk together. This will temper the sour cream and prevent curdling. Add a few more spoonfuls and keep mixing until completely tempered,
  • Add sour cream mixture into gravy, whisking to combine.
  • Adjust seasonings.
  • Add meatballs back into slow cooker and cook 30 minutes more.
  • Serve over prepared egg noodles with lingonberry jam.

Prepared egg noodles
Lingonberry jam

HOUSE SEASONING
1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder

SWEDISH MEATLOAVES with MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED CARROTS & LINGONBERRY JAM with HOUSE SEASONING

Meatloaf is really just an oversized meatball. So, why not make it a personal size so you can get more finished edges covered in delicious gravy?

Swedish Meat Loaves are spicy beef meatloaves smothered in a rich tasty gravy served over mashed potatoes with roasted carrots with Lingonberry jam on the side—in other words, Thanksgiving for the rest of the year.

SWEDISH MEATLOAVES with MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED CARROTS & LINGONBERRY JAM

2 Carrots, peeled and sliced into thick coins
3/4 pound Yukon potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/3 cup minced yellow onion
several sprigs Parsley, finely chopped
1 slice white bread
3 tablespoons + 1/4 cup milk
2/3 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup beef consomme
2 tablespoon Lingonberry Jam
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground salt and pepper, taste

  • PREHEAT oven to 425° and adjust rack to upper position.
  • Toss carrots on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Roast in oven for 15 minutes.
  • Add potatoes to a medium pot with a large pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to empty pot off heat.
  • Place bread and 3 tablespoons milk in a medium bowl. Break up bread with your hands until pasty.
  • Add in beef, 2 tablespoons minced onion, half the parsley, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and salt to taste. Mix by hand gently until thoroughly mixed.
  • Shape mixture into two 1-inch-tall loaves.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add meatloaves and cook until browned on surface but not yet cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Once carrots have roasted about 15 minutes, remove sheet from oven and give carrots a toss. Add meatloaves to same sheet and place back in oven.
  • Bake until meatloaves are cooked through and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes more.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan you browned the meatloaves in over medium heat.
  • Add remaining minced onion. Cook, sauteing, until soft, about 2 minutes.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring, until pasty, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in beef stock and 1/4 cup milk.
  • Bring to a simmer, then whisk until thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
  • Add more water if too thick.
  • Place pot with potatoes over low heat.
  • Add 1/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon butter mashing until smooth. Add more milk if too stiff.
    Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  • Plate potatoes and meatloaves.
  • Drizzle with gravy.
  • Add carrots and jam to the side.
  • Garnish with remaining parsley.

HOUSE SEASONING MIX

1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon FRESH ground black pepper

  • Combine in a small bowl until well blended.
  • Store in an air tight container.

CHILI SKILLET

This is a perfect fall dish and yes I’m planning ahead for the cooler temperatures up north where we will be in just a couple months. It is also a recipe that makes WONDERFUL leftovers as the flavors meld the longer it sits.

CHILI SKILLET – serves 6
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper (optional)*
1 LARGE clove garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup tomato juice**
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 can Green Giant White shopped corn, drained
1/2 cup shredded jack and cheddar cheese
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup sliced olives, optional

  • In a large skillet cook ground beef, onions, peppers (if using) and garlic over medium heat, breaking apart the meat until well crumbled and no longer pink.
  • Drain off ALL fat.
  • Add the tomato juice, water, chicken broth, red pepper flakes (if using), chili powder, oregano, rice, salt and pepper.
  • Simmer 20-25 minutes on low covered until rice is tender.
  • Fold in corn and olives (if using).
  • Sprinkle with cheese and cook 5 minutes more.
  • Top with green onions.
  • ENJOY.

NOTES: *I substitute 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
**I often use a small 6 ounce can of V8 juice and add 2 ounces water or chicken broth

CORNBREAD TAMALE PIE

We LOVE Mexican food, so this recipe works well into a Mexican themed week. By making Taco Salad, Chili Skillet, Tacos and this Cornbread Tamale pie all back to back I only have to make the meats and parts once and then assemble as needed.


CORNBREAD TAMALE PIE
Avocado oil
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained WELL
1-2 large bunches green onions, thinly sliced (save some for garnish)
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 + cup cheddar cheese (use the +portion as garnish)
1 LARGE egg yolk
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • In a heavy duty cast iron skillet drizzle avocado oil over hot pan.
  • Add beef and generously season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and completely crumbled. Drain off fat.
  • In a prep bowl add drained beef to drained tomatoes and set aside.
  • Wipe out pan.
  • Add another drizzle of avocado oil when pan is hot again.
  • Add onions and sauce until soft.
  • Add cumin and chile powder and stir to blend.
  • Add beef mixture to pan and stir to coat well. Cook a few minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Add beans and remaining cheese in last and remove from heat.

  • While meat is cooking prepare batter.
  • Whisk together the melted butter, milk and egg yolk until well blended.
  • Add the cornmeal, flour, sugar and baking powder blending well.
  • Fold in half of the cheese.

ASSEMBLY

  • Spread meat mixture evenly in cast iron pan.
  • Gently spread the cornbread mixture over the meat mixture.
  • Put pan in oven and bake 12-14 minutes until cornbread is golden and set.
  • Cool 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with cheese and green onions.
  • ENJOY!

TACO SALAD

One of the things we love in the summer is salads. I’m always looking for new recipes, but often I end up with 3 or 4 similar recipes. I always seem to combine the best parts of each recipe together to make a new and improved recipe. 😀

TACO SALAD serves 4
MEAT
1 pound ground chuck
1 small Vidalia onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon PACKED brown sugar

  • Heat oil in a large skillet until shimmering.
  • Add onion and cook until softened.
  • Stir in chili powder and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  • Add beef, cooking and breaking it apart until ALMOST cooked through.
  • Add tomato sauce, broth, vinegar and brown sugar, simmering until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Season to taste.

TACO SHELL BOWLS
4 – 10 inch flour tortillas
Non stick cooking spray

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Adjust oven racks to middle.
  • Place 4 oven safe soup bowls or balls of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
  • Heat tortillas in microwave a few seconds to make them warm and pliable.
  • Generously spray both sides of tortillas with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Drape tortillas over bowls or balls of foil.
  • Press bottoms flat and loosely pinch sides into pleats to form bowls.
  • Bake until tortillas are crispy and golden, about 10-15 minutes.
  • COOL COMPLETELY before turning over or filling.

SALAD
2 romaine hearts, shredded
1/3 cup bean dip
1/2 cup black beans
1 can white shoe peg corn, drained well
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced
2 limes, juiced
3/4 cup shredded Jack and Cheddar cheeses
1/4 cup chopped cilantro + a bit more for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges.

  • Toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, green onions and cilantro.
  • Generously season salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle with lime juice and toss again.

ASSEMBLY

  • Place tortilla bowls on plates.
  • Divide salad amongst tortilla bowls.
  • Top with a spoonful of bean dip.
  • Top with a spoonful of meat mixture.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Garnish with lime wedges and remaining cilantro.

SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS

Who doesn’t love a classic salisbury steak? We have all eaten it at some point growing up. Salisbury steak was mom’s way of keeping it homestyle while stretching the budget too. Now I have a recipe that still does that, but works as an appetizer or a pot luck dish and utilizes the slow cooker so you don’t heat up the kitchen. 😀

SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS – 24 meatballs
1 medium Vidalia onion, halved and sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thin

  • Place the onion slices, minced garlic and mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker.

MEATBALLS
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup PLAIN breadcrumbs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon each FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a large mixing bowl thoroughly combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
  • Form 24 meatballs of equal size.
  • Gently arrange meatballs in slow cooker on top of the onions and mushrooms. (About 2 layers)

GRAVY
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon each FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

  • Whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
  • Pour over the meatballs evenly.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until meatballs are cooked though and still tender.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs, onions and mushrooms to a serving platter.
  • In a small bowl whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to form a slurry.
  • Whisk the slurry into the crock pot until well blended.
  • Add the meatballs, onions and mushrooms back into the slow cooker.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste, cover and cook on low another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes.

CARAMELIZED GRILLED PINEAPPLE & CARNE ASADA ala CITRUS

These pineapple spears are coated in a buttery brown sugar apple cinnamon glaze that caramelizes on the grill! It also pairs perfectly with a citrus carne asada!

CARAMELIZED GRILLED PINEAPPLE Serves: 4-6
Adapted from the Recipe Critic, Alyssa

One large ripe pineapple cut into spears
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice

  • In a shallow baking dish lay the pineapple spears in a single layer pan.
  • Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
  • Whisk together the butter, brown sugar and apple pie spice. It needs to be thin enough to easily pour over the pineapple – microwave a few seconds if necessary.
  • Pour over top of the pineapple spears.
  • Grill for about 7-10 minutes or until it is starting to turn golden brown and has gorgeous grill marks.
  • Brush with excess sauce from the dish before serving.

According to Wikipedia Carne asada is a roasted beef dish, literally meaning “roasted meat”[1][2]. The dish mainly consists of pieces or thin cuts of beef (e.g. flank steak, skirt steak), sometimes marinated, sometimes lightly salted or rubbed with salt, pepper and/or spices, and then grilled. It can be eaten alone, with side dishes, chopped and eaten as tacos, or chopped and used as filler for tortas, burritos, etc. It is commonly accompanied with guacamole, salsa, beans, and grilled scallions and tortillas.

The dish is commonly prepared in the northern parts of Mexico (in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas) as well as in the American Southwest (especially Texas and New Mexico). It can be found as the main ingredient in tacos, tortas, burritos and fajitas, or is simply served as a stand-alone. It is sold at Mexican meat markets called “carnicerias” in the American Southwest; especially those states with Mexican/Mexican-American enclaves.
When purchasing carne asada from meat markets, consumers have two options available to them regarding the amount of preparation the steak has undergone pre-purchase: preparada, marinated meat as described above, serving as a time-saver for the home cook but typically at higher cost; and no preparada, unprepared meat, allowing for a home cook to create one’s own marinade. I buy unprepared meat and doctor my own.
All my pictures are before as we’re having it for dinner tonight. I’ll add an after picture later.


CARNE ASADA
2-3 pounds flank or skirt steak, sliced THIN
1 medium Vidalia onion, sliced thin
2 lemons, 1 sliced thin, 1 wedged for squeezing
1 lime, sliced thin
1 orange, sliced thin
1/3 cup champagne vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic, jar
1 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
  • Soak the meat in the vinegar for an hour or so.
  • Remove meat from vinegar and dry on paper towels.
  • Sift together all the seasonings and rub into the meat on both sides.
  • Layer the meat into a container alternating with the slices of lemon, limes, oranges and onions squeezing lemon juice on each layer as you go.
  • Let marinate for overnight or a day or so.
  • Grill on a VERY hot grill to desired doneness, 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Serve with warm tortillas, Fresh Guacamole and Fresh Garden Salsa.