Recipe: Pepper Steak over Rice Noodles

Ingredients:

1 3/4 lb. of lean flank steak, cut into 6 equal portions
8 oz. of uncooked rice noodles
1 cup chopped scallions, green and white parts
2 red jalapenos, thinly sliced
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup mirin (Japanese cooking sake)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp. rice vinegar
4 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. wasabi paste
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. canola oil

Directions:

Whisk soy sauce, mirin, lime juice, rice vinegar, 3 tbsp. of the garlic, wasabi, salt, and pepper together into a large bowl. Submerge steak filets into the mixture, cover, and allow to marinate overnight.

Oil and then heat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove steaks from marinade and place on the grill and grill for about 6 - 8 minutes on each side for medium rare. Reserve 2 tbsp. of the marinade. Once done, thinly slice the steak and set aside.

Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Heat the canola oil over medium high heat in a large wok. Add the scallions, the remaining garlic, and the red jalapenos to the wok, moving them about quickly to prevent sticking. Cook until the oil becomes fragrant, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the steak, the rice noodles, and the reserved marinade to the wok. Continue cooking for another minute or two and then remove. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe: Thai Spiced Tri-Tip

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of beef tri-tip roast
3 tbsp. of minced garlic
1 cup of soy sauce
1 cup of dry sherry
3 tbsp. of olive oil
4 Thai chili peppers, diced (yes - them really hot little red things - wear gloves!!!)
1 bunch of scallions, coarsely chopped
1/2 bunch of parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and put into a large plastic bag. Put the tri-tip roast into the bag, seal, and refrigerate overnight to allow to marinate.

Heat the grill to high heat. Put the tri-tip on the grill and sear for about 90 seconds on each side. Reduce the heat to medium, close the grill lid, and continue cooking for about 12 - 14 more minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning every couple of minutes. Once done, cover in foil for about 2 - 3 minutes to allow it to rest. Cut across the grain into one inch pieces. Serve!

Makes about 4 servings.

Recipe: Zen Pepper Steak

This turned out so well it became steak sandwiches for lunch today... last night it was served with creamed spinach instead. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 3/4 lb. of lean flank steak, cut into 6 equal portions
3/4 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of mirin (Japanese cooking sake)
4 tbsp. of minced garlic
2 tbsp. of minced ginger
1 1/2 tbsp. of rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. of sesame oil
1 tsp. of chili oil
2 tsp. of hot sauce (I prefer Sriracha, and I up it to 3 tsp. 'cause I like the heat)
2 1/2 tsp. of yuzu juice (Japanese citrus... no yuzu? Use lime juice)
1 1/2 cup of chopped scallions (green and white parts - about 1 bunch)
1 red bell pepper, diced

Directions:

Whisk together all ingredients but the steak into a bowl. In another large bowl, place the steak cuts. Pour the mixture over the steak cuts, cover in plastic wrap, place in refrigerator, and let marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Put the steak on the grill and grill for 7 - 8 minutes on each side (for medium-rare), basting the steak in the marinade constantly to keep it moist. Serve either as is or slice into thinner pieces and serve.

Makes 6 servings.