Make No Mis-Steaks This Grilling Season

By Joyce Parslow, P.H.Ec.

Canadian beef is world-class in quality and availability. Beef is raised in each and every province. Cattle feed on grass and forage for the most part with a blend of grains such as barley, wheat or corn mixed-in as they reach maturity. Breeds and feeds give Canadian beef the flavour and tenderness you expect in a great steak.

Making the Grade:
Canadian beef bought in-store is federally or provincially inspected for safety – no compromises. The best in beef is given an 'A' GRADE quality designation. Just as in hockey, look for Canada AAA as the top in the league, followed by double A (AA) and then single A.

Shopping Simplified:
Canadian steaks are sorted into three basic cooking categories. Package labels identify the cut and the recommended cooking method (e.g. Top Sirloin grilling steak, Flank marinating steak).

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Grilling Steaks are ever tender – simply season and sear;
Marinating Steaks are best marinated before grilling, but require advanced planning. These steaks often have the boldest beefy flavour and can be value-priced;
Simmering Steaks are not BBQ steaks – best simmered low and slow in a winter stew.

TIPS to ensure no mis-steaks:

• Buy thick steaks for the juiciest results. Thin steaks can over-cook quickly;
• Season ‘Grilling Steak’ with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper – that’s all you need; 
• Barbecue sauce is a ready-to-use marinade. Always pierce steak all over before marinating. Pat dry with paper towel and lightly season before grilling; 
• Don’t bring steak to room temperature before grilling – it’s just not necessary; 
• One flip is all it takes. Diamond grill marks are nice but not necessary. Better to focus on cooking steak to the doneness you like; 
• Confirm doneness by inserting a digital instant-read thermometer sideways into the steak – it should read about 145°F for a medium-rare to medium doneness; 
• Let grilled steak stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving so juices can set.

Cedar Planked Steak with Charred Garden Salsa
(from the Canada Beef Test Kitchen)

Cooking steak on a cedar plank imparts fantastic wood-smoke flavour reminiscent of deli-smoked meat.

Here, the marinade doubles as the base for the fresh salsa – just be sure to *remove what you need for the Salsa, before using the remainder to marinate the meat.

Marinade/Dressing
1-3/4 cups (425 mL) barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1/4 cup (50 mL) lemon juice
2 Tbsp (30 mL) prepared horseradish
6 sprigs fresh rosemary (leaves only) coarsely chopped
1 Flank Marinating Steak or Top Sirloin, about 1-1/2 lb (750 g)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Cedar Plank
1 can or bottle (440 mL) beer
Vegetable oil

Salsa
2 cups (500 mL) grape tomatoes
8 cloves garlic, peeled
4 ears of fresh corn, husked
4 green onions, trimmed
1 EACH sweet yellow and sweet red pepper, seeded, cut into large chunks
2 Tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

1. MARINADE: In large re-sealable freezer bag, combine barbecue sauce, lemon juice, horseradish and rosemary.
* Remove 1/2 cup (125 mL) and set aside for Salsa. Pierce steak all over; place in bag with marinade. Seal. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Soak plank for at least 2 hours in enough beer and warm water mixture to cover, weighing down with heavy jars to submerge.

2. Heat plank in closed barbecue over medium-high heat until plank crackles and smokes, about 3 minutes. Brush top side with oil. Remove steak from marinade. Pat dry with paper towel; discard used marinade. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place on plank. Cook in closed barbecue, without turning until digital instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, about 15 minutes. Remove steak from plank. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving across the grain into thin slices.

3. SALSA: Alternately thread grape tomatoes and garlic onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush vegetables all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat in closed barbecue, starting with corn, until charred all over, turning occasionally. Let cool slightly. Cut kernels from cobs. Coarsely chop remaining vegetables. Combine with reserved barbecue sauce mixture. Serve with steak.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

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Joyce Parslow, P.H.Ec., is a Toronto-based Professional Home Economist and beef culinary expert. She is Director of Consumer Marketing for Canada Beef Inc., and a member of OHEA. Visit Canada Beef Inc. for more recipes, cooking lessons and quick answers to all of your beef questions: www.beefinfo.org

The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA), a self-regulated body of Professional Home Economists, promotes high professional standards among its members so that they can assist families and individuals to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life. OHEA is a proud partner of the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education.

For further information, contact: Ontario Home Economics Association 14 Totten Place, Woodstock, ON N4S 8G7 Website: www.ohea.on.ca Phone: 519-290-1843 Email: info@ohea.on.ca




Ontario Home Economics Association © 2013
Photos courtesy of Canada Beef Inc.