Monday, January 3, 2011

Steak Salad

I love beef, and I love salad, so when I found this recipe on the Pioneer Woman's blog I had to give it a spin. I found the marinade/dressing to be one of the best of all times and the fried onions were to die for (and I don't even really like onions).


Steak Salad
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman

2 whole Rib-eye Or Strip Steaks, Extra Fat Trimmed
_____
FOR THE DRESSING/MARINADE:
¾ cups Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon (additional) Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
2 Tablespoons Sugar
3 cloves Garlic, Peeled (or equivalent, minced)
1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Lots Of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
_____
FOR THE ONION STRINGS:
2 whole Onions, Sliced As Thin As Possible
2 cups Whipping Cream
2 cups Flour
1 Tablespoon Salt
½ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
1 quart Canola Oil
Black Pepper To Taste
_____
FOR THE SALAD:
Lettuce Mix: Romaine, Arugula, Watercress, Raddiccio, Etc.
Small Grape Tomatoes
¾ cups Crumbled Blue Cheese

To make the dressing/marinade, combine all ingredients in a mason jar with the lid. Shake vigorously to combine; taste and adjust seasonings to taste.
Place steak in a plastic zipper bag. Pour in half the marinade and seal. Refrigerate and marinate for at least two hours.

Prepare the onion strings: Slice onion very thin. Place in a baking dish and cover with whipping cream and soak for at least an hour.

Make the onion strings: Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Heat oil to 375 degrees. Grab a handful of onions, throw into the flour mixture, tap to shake off excess, and PLUNGE into hot oil. Fry for a few minutes and remove to a paper towel-lined plate as soon as they are golden brown. Repeat until onions are gone.

Grill (or sautee) the steak over medium-high heat until medium rare, about 2 minutes on each side (depending on thickness). Remove from heat and allow to rest. Slice steak against the grain in thin slices.

In a large bowl, add lettuce mix, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Add a little dressing and toss to combine. Add more if needed. Add candied pecans at the end and toss to combine.
Heap salad on a plate, making sure to get plenty of blue cheese, tomatoes, and pecans on each plate. Add half a steak to the top of each plate, then top the steak with onion strings.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:
1. I hate blue cheese so I swapped that out for feta instead.
2. I threw some candied almonds on top, yum!
3. I didn't have any tomatoes, but it sounds like a lovely addition. :)


Kelly