Lunch / Dinner
Spice-Rubbed Steaks with Bell Pepper Relish
This menu pleases palates with multi-spiced steaks, a fresh veggie relish, and cheesy polenta laced with chipotle chiles. Steaks are one of those menu items that can really whet your appetite with just the thought of them, even when they’re just seasoned with salt and pepper. But even the best foods can usually be improved upon. For this meal, the perfect combination of spices in the rub does just that — it so perfectly seasons the steaks that the simplest food really becomes a memorable meal.
The rub is simple. In fact, you probably have all the spices in your pantry right now. Chili powder and cumin offer a taste of the Southwest with just a hint of heat, while brown sugar balances the heat with a bit of sweet.
Even though the rub is what gives these steaks their ta-da factor, the simple pepper relish is a must-try, and the creamy, cheesy polenta rounds it all out.
Ingredients
FOR THE RELISH, COMBINE:
FOR THE STEAKS, MIX:
Test Kitchen Tip
If you don’t have a grill pan, it’s fine to cook the steaks in a nonstick skillet. Or you can take things outside and actually cook them on the grill!
Instructions
For the relish, combine bell peppers, onion, vinegar, and olive oil; season with salt.
For the steaks, mix together 2 tsp. salt, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Pat steaks dry with paper towels, then rub spice mixture onto both sides of each steak.
Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium. Cook steaks to desired doneness, 3–4 minutes per side for medium. Remove steaks from heat, loosely tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Serve steaks with relish.
Cut the sides of the bell peppers away from seeds, thinly slice into strips, then dice into tiny pieces.
Sprinkle the dry rub over the steaks, then use your fingers to gently press the spices into the meat.
Watch the steaks closely as the cook — the brown sugar in the rub can cause them to burn.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 327
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 30%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 798mg 33%
Carbs 7g 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Protein 30g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.