Cajun Steak With Charred Tomato Salad Recipes

THE BEST CAJUN BUTTER STEAK RECIPE WITH CAJUN BUTTER PEPPERCORN SAUCE

Steps:

• Make and toast the cajun mix by combining all the spices together and toasting over a low flame until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
• Rub each steak generously with about 1.5 tablespoons of the cajun mix per steak, then chill in the refrigerator uncovered for one hour.
• While the steaks are chilling, combine the ingredients for the marinade in a container just large enough to fit your steaks. Add the steaks when ready, then cover with extra oil if needed. Marinate for between 6 hours and up to two days - longer is better.
• Heat up a large cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of high heat oil (not olive) until it's just about smoking. Add the onion wedges and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until charred. Turn them with a flipper or tongs and cook the other side, then remove and set aside.
• Optionally season your steaks with salt. Add the steaks and cook roughly 3 minutes per side for rare or 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Rest the steaks while you make the cajun butter peppercorn sauce. If you are doing these in batches, turn your oven to warming/proofing mode (or just with the light on - no higher than 80ºF) to keep the steaks warm. Let the skillet come back to temp in between steaks.
• If you are making the cajun butter peppercorn sauce, reduce the heat to low and add cognac to the pan. Let reduce while stirring with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to deglaze, then add butter, cream, cracked peppercorns, and cajun spice mix. The resulting sauce will be a little grainy and not creamy like French peppercorn sauces, but delicious and spicy.
• Slice steaks and enjoy immediately.

STEAK SALAD WITH TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make the steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium. Mix the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub with the spice mixture; set aside.
• Make the vinaigrette: Puree the cherry tomatoes, lime juice, adobo sauce and honey in a blender until smooth. With the machine running, add the olive oil and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brush the steaks with olive oil and grill 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, brush the red onion slices with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill the onion, turning occasionally, until softened and charred in spots, about 8 minutes. Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Roughly chop the onion.
• Assemble the salad: Divide the lettuce among plates. Top with the onion, steak, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, jicama and queso fresco. Drizzle with about half of the vinaigrette and sprinkle with the cilantro. Serve with the remaining vinaigrette.

CAJUN STEAK WITH CHARRED TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Using a pestle and mortar, grind the lemon zest, garlic, peppercorns and cumin seeds together until well blended. Add the oregano, cayenne and salt and grind again.
• Rub the mixture into the meat and set aside for and hour or two. Meanwhile, halve the tomatoes lengthways and place on the barbecue, cut sides down, for 5-8 minutes until softened and a little charred.
• Finely chop the herbs and mix with the tomatoes, onion, chilli, oil and lemon juice; season well to taste.
• Barbecue the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve with the charred tomatoes and leafy green salad.