default dinner: 1-2-3 steak
I love this new little addition to our family default dinner list. I bought a grill book last summer, and have primarily used it to compile rubs and massage steak accordingly. During summer that meant lots of last minute skewers, but now that it is chilly outside I typically throw the steak under the broiler. The best best best part of this entree is that I can:
1. Make it. (Cut up meat in 1 inch cubes; rub, then place in freezer bag---I usually buy tri-tip). 2. Freeze it. 3. Grill or Broil it. (Let defrost overnight in fridge, then pop under the broiler for about 6 minutes... done!)
As you may know, I love to have homemade entrees made in advance and waiting in the freezer. It is my way of facing head-on our sometimes too-busy-to-make-a-decent-dinner schedules. And unlike my secret lasagna, this steak takes very little time to prepare. I make a big batch, then portion it into freezer bags (enough to serve 4 in each bag). Come 'steak night' I just make a simple salad and roast some vegetables and dinner is made---it really IS as simple as 1-2-3.
Basic Rub (from book Grill Every Day by Diane Morgan) Makes 1 1/4 cups.
1/4 cup kosher salt 2 T coarsely ground pepper 1 T ground coriander 3 T ground cumin 2 T sweet paprika 2 T dried thyme, crushed 2 T chili powder 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon
I love making rubs. I see them all the time at the market and in specialty shops. If you have access to bulk herbs and spices, then I recommend making your own (Costco has inexpensive big batches of herbs and spices; during summer I actually grew and dried a bunch of herbs to make rubs. Especially my default herbs). It is far more cost effective and makes the best gifts. Just last month I put together this basic rub in a handsome jar, and gifted it to my brother for his birthday. Although homemade gifts take time, your thoughtfulness and effort on behalf of the recipient is worth it. I even have a whole category dedicated to food-inspired homemade gifts: hostess gifts. (BTW rub keeps for 6 months---away from light and heat).
I have also made and given this Latin Rub (notice the jars!).
