Recipes and photo courtesy The Beef Checkoff
www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com; from californiaavocado.com
Makes 4 servings
2 boneless beef Top Loin (Strip) steaks, cut ¾-inch thick (about 8 oz. each)
2 jalapeño peppers
1 t. ground black pepper
8 c. mixed salad greens
1 mango, cut into ¼-in. slices
½ small ripe, Fresh California Avocado, cut lengthwise into 8 slices
Salt, as needed
1 shallot, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
2 T. shaved from Cotija or Parmesan cheese
Jalapeño Vinaigrette, as needed
2 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1 T. water
¼ t. salt
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil
Place jalapeño peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 11 to 13 minutes or until evenly blistered and blackened. Place in food-safe plastic bag; close bag. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes until skins are loosened.
Press black pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 10 to 12 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 10 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove from grill; let stand while preparing vinaigrette.
Meanwhile, prepare Jalapeño Vinaigrette. Remove and discard skins, seeds and membranes from jalapeño peppers. Place peppers, lime juice, cilantro, water and salt in food processor container. Cover; pulse on and off until combined. With motor running, slowly add oil through opening in cover, processing until well blended.
Arrange salad greens on serving platter. Fan the mango and avocado slices over greens. Carve steaks into slices; season with salt, as desired. Arrange over salad. Top with shallot; drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese.
Cook's Tip: Two beef shoulder petite tender roasts (8 to 12 ounces each) may be substituted for top loin (strip) steaks. Grill shoulder petite tender roasts, covered, over medium, ash-covered coals l4 to 18 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 14 to 19 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.