(Family Features) A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring faraway flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals.

Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired with crisp broccolini and peppers to give a familiar dish a fresh makeover using flavors from another origin. Give fajitas an Asian makeover with shrimp seared in a decadent hoisin-ginger sauce or try a fresh take on a crunchy salad with this Mexican-meets-Asian layered approach that’s perfect for lunch.

Include seasonal produce like cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes to enhance your summer flavor fusions. Pantry staples like black beans and canned corn also offer accessible ways to make elevated summer classics.

Capture Asian flavors with ingredients like NAKANO Rice Vinegar, which has perfected its rice vinegars over eight generations to offer unique and delicious flavors perfect for making mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipes at home.

Pro Flavor-Fusion Tips

• The key to a successful stir-fry is to use high heat to quickly cook meats and vegetables in stages without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that veggies stay slightly crisp, and meats develop a delicious sear instead of steaming.

• Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.

• Hoisin sauce, which you can find in the Asian section of most grocery stores, is used frequently in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a salty, fermented soybean paste often combined with garlic, chiles and five-spice powder, which adds a sweet, umami-rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Shishito peppers are slender, mild, green Japanese peppers available in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores or Asian markets. If shishito peppers are unavailable, substitute with multicolored mini peppers.

• To accommodate those who love a lot of spice and those who prefer less spice, serve mild-to-medium-spicy foods with additional chili sauce on the side.

• Swap out heavy, high-calorie salad dressings for a splash of additional flavor with NAKANO rice vinegar.

Find more flavorful ways to put an Asian twist on your summer dishes at nakanoflavors.com.

Sizzling Shrimp Fajita Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    pounds large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 shrimp total)
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce, divided
• 4          teaspoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar
• 3          tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 3          tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1          red onion, cut into thin slivers
• 1          red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2       pound shishito peppers, stemmed
• 6          warmed corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2       cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1/4       cup thinly sliced green onions

1. In medium bowl, combine shrimp, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons cornstarch; let stand 5 minutes to marinate.
2. In separate bowl, whisk remaining soy sauce, remaining cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce and ginger until blended.
3. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of shrimp; cook 1 minute on each side. Transfer to clean bowl; repeat with remaining shrimp. Wipe out skillet with paper towel.
4. In same pan, heat remaining oil until shimmering. Add red onion, bell pepper and shishito peppers. Cook, stirring, 2-4 minutes until peppers begin to blister. Add vinegar mixture; cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add shrimp to pan. Cook, tossing well until shrimp and vegetables are coated with sauce.
5. Fill tortillas with shrimp mixture, cabbage and green onions.

Spicy Steak and Broccoli

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          beef tenderloin (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 3          tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 2          cups multicolored, mini sweet peppers, cut into thin rings
• 1/4       pound broccolini, cut into 3-inch sections
• 2          large shallots, chopped
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1          tablespoon sugar
• 1          teaspoon sambal oelek (Asian-chili garlic sauce) or sriracha
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1. In medium bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper and garlic powder.
2. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add peppers, broccolini and shallots; cook 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Transfer to clean bowl.
3. In same skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of beef in single layer. Cook undisturbed 2 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Stir. Cook 1 minute, or until outer surfaces are no longer pink. Transfer to bowl with vegetables. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Return beef and vegetables to skillet over medium-high heat.
4. In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, sambal oelek, salt and ginger. Add mixture to pan. Cook 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.

Glass Jar Layered Taco Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1/2       avocado
• 1/4       teaspoon serrano pepper
• 1          tablespoon cilantro
• 2          tablespoons NAKANO Organic Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          teaspoon lime juice
• 1/3       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup corn
• 1/2       cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2       cup jicama, diced
• 1/2       cup black beans, rinsed
• 1/2       cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2       cup extra-firm tofu, diced
• 1/2       cup corn chips, crushed
• 1/2       cup spinach
• 1          tablespoon queso fresco

1. In bowl, mash avocado and add serrano pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Build salad in layers of corn, cabbage, jicama, black beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tofu, corn chips, spinach and queso fresco while adding drizzles of dressing between layers.

Source: NAKANO

(Family Features) A summer weekend isn’t complete until you fire up the grill, but flame-kissed steaks are just the start to an unforgettable meal that celebrates all the best of the season.

To create the perfect main dish, start with high-quality protein, like Omaha Steaks’ Private Reserve Boneless New York Strips. Thick, juicy and full of flavorful marbling, these premier steaks are meticulously aged for optimal taste and tenderness with robust, beefy flavor brought out when cooked properly on the grill.

If you’re opting for burgers, elevate your menu with flavorful accompaniments like crisp candied bacon, sauteed shrimp and zesty homemade pickles for a menu you won’t soon forget.

Find more ideas for upgrading the grilling experience in your own backyard at OmahaSteaks.com.

Candied Bacon

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          pound (1 package) Omaha Steaks Applewood Smoked Steak-Cut Bacon
• 1          tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1          cup packed light brown sugar

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Place wire rack on foil-lined baking sheet. Place strips of bacon on wire rack and sprinkle with black pepper. Lightly pat brown sugar on top of bacon in thin layer.
3. Place baking sheet on center rack in oven and bake 25 minutes, or until brown sugar melts and bacon is crisp.
4. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer bacon to parchment-lined baking sheet and cool to room temperature.
5. Store in airtight container up to 3 days at room temperature.

Quick Pickles

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

• 1/2       cup white vinegar
• 2          teaspoons sugar
• 1          teaspoon mustard seed
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1          clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2       teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1          teaspoon dried dill, chopped, or 2 tablespoons fresh dill leaves
• 1          bay leaf
• 4          cucumbers, cut into angled 1-inch slices

1. Heat small saucepan over medium high heat. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, salt, garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired; cook until mixture begins to simmer and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
2. In heat-proof bowl, toss dill, bay leaf and sliced cucumbers. Pour simmering liquid over cucumbers and stir to evenly coat. Cool to room temperature or chill before serving. 

Note: Pickles may be made up to 3 days in advance. Refrigerate in covered non-reactive container.

Connecticut-Style Shrimp

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 4          tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2          tablespoons chives
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/8       teaspoon black pepper
• 12        large, cleaned, uncooked Omaha Steaks Wild Argentinian Red Shrimp

1. Heat medium skillet to medium-high heat. Add butter; cook until melted.
2. Add chives, salt, pepper and shrimp to pan. Cook 2 minutes, turn shrimp and cook 2 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and serve.

Dry-Brined New York Strips with Grilled Brown Butter Balsamic Onions

Prep time: 1-12 hours
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 4

Dry Brine:

• 4          tablespoons Kosher salt
• 1          tablespoon coarse ground pepper
• 4          (11-ounce) Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Boneless New York Strips, thawed

Butter and Balsamic:

• 4          tablespoons salted butter
• 2          tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2          teaspoons fresh thyme

Grilled Onions:

• 2          large sweet onions
• 4          wooden skewers, soaked
• 1          tablespoon olive oil

• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make dry brine: Combine salt and pepper; season steaks generously on all sides. Place steaks on elevated rack on baking sheet and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. To make butter and balsamic: Heat small skillet to medium high heat. Add butter and cook until butter begins to brown and smell nutty. Remove from heat and add balsamic vinegar and thyme. Set aside.
3. To make grilled onions: Peel off outer layers of onions. Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Lay onions on flat surface. Push skewers through centers of onions; two onion slices per skewer. Brush onions with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. To cook steaks and onions: Make two-zone fire on charcoal grill with coals on one side and no coals on the other.
5. Place onions on cool side of grill; flip and rotate every 10 minutes until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes. Total time will depend on how hot coals are and how close onions are to fire. When onions are golden and tender, brush with brown butter balsamic mixture. 
6. On hot side of grill, during last 15 minutes of cook time for onions, cook steaks to desired temperature. When steaks are 5 F from desired temperature, remove from grill and let rest 5-10 minutes.
7. Remove onions from grill. Carefully remove onions from skewers and place in serving dish.  Top with remaining brown butter balsamic mixture and serve with steaks.

Source: Omaha Steaks

Small plates to make for appealing dishes

(Family Features) Imagine treating yourself and your dinner guests to a delicious, restaurant-caliber meal without leaving your dining room or hiring a personal chef. Small plates, also known as tapas, are lighter, bite-sized indulgences that you can prepare and style seamlessly. By putting your own artful, unique spin on small plates, you can indulge in a meal that appeals to the senses and conveys sophistication.

It can be easy to create delicious small plates: all you need are wholesome, seasonal ingredients to pair with an artisan-crafted, quality olive oil such as Carapelli. The line, with three varieties to explore, brings a renaissance to the modern kitchen and is ideal for endeavoring chefs looking to try new flavors and experiment with tastes or recipes. It embodies a true passion for the art of creating extra-virgin olive oils and is designed to lift cooks out of the everyday cooking experience.

Keep in mind that when it comes to small plates, what’s important isn’t just the recipe, but the plate – and plating – of the cuisine itself. Foods that appeal to the eye are likely to tempt the taste buds as well. Invest in appropriate-sized dishware for small plates that allows the food to take center-stage.

For a true multi-sensory indulgence, also take time to garnish your dishes, big and small, with edible enhancements that lend a subtle complement to the main attraction. A selection of fresh greens, sprinkling of herbs and even a light drizzle of olive oil can do the trick.

Plan how you’ll adapt your favorite dishes for size – and season – with more tips and recipes at carapelliusa.com.

Carrots and Fresh Herbs with Champagne-Dijon Vinaigrette

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Champagne-Dijon Vinaigrette:

• 2          tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1          teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1          tablespoon clover honey
• 1/2       cup Carapelli Organic Olive Oil
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1          teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1          teaspoon basil, finely chopped

• 1          pound carrots, peeled and finely shredded
• 2          tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• 2          tablespoons chives, thinly sliced, plus more cut into 3/4-inch  pieces, for garnish
• 1/3       cup Champagne Vinaigrette
• fine sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper,  to taste
• chive sticks, for garnish

1. In medium mixing bowl, combine champagne vinegar, Dijon and honey. Whisk constantly until well combined. While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. Add garlic, salt, pepper, parsley and basil: whisk to combine.
2. In mixing bowl, toss carrots, parsley and chives. Add dressing. Season, to taste, with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with chive sticks.

Notes: Vinaigrette can be stored in refrigerator up to five days. For zestier salad, add additional 2 tablespoons vinaigrette to carrots; serve with crusty bread.

Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese Beet Skewers

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours, plus cooling time
Servings: 42 skewers

Beets:

• 2          beets (about 1 pound), 3 inches in diameter, peeled and sliced into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1          tablespoon Carapelli Oro Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/2       teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1          teaspoon sea salt
• arugula, for garnish
• flaked sea salt, for garnish

Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese:

• 4          ounces goat cheese
• 1/4       cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1          tablespoon Carapelli Oro Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4       teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/8       teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat sous vide water bath to 185° F.
2. In mixing bowl, combine beets, olive oil, thyme and salt; toss to coat. Remove beets from liquid and divide, placing them in single layer into two quart-sized vacuum-seal bags, leaving any excess liquid behind.
3. Use vacuum sealer to remove air and double-seal bag. To use zip-top bags instead, slowly dip slightly open bags into large container filled with water, allowing water to displace air. Seal bags when air is removed.
4. Place vacuum-sealed bag into prepared water bath, placing heavy, heat-resistant bowl on top of beets to keep them submerged, if necessary. Cook 3 hours.
5. If you do not have a sous vide machine, bring large stock pot filled with water to rolling boil. Place vacuum-sealed bags in water. Reduce to gentle simmer, cover and cook 1 hour.
6. Carefully remove beets from water bath and cool in sealed bag until they reach room temperature, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes more before serving.
7. In mini food processor, cream goat cheese, ricotta and olive oil until smooth. Add zest, salt and pepper: stir to combine.
8. Transfer cheese mixture to piping bag fitted with star tip and refrigerate until ready to use.
9. To serve, remove beets from bag and arrange on serving platter. Pipe dollop of Whipped Ricotta and Goat Cheese onto each beet. Drizzle with olive oil.
10. Garnish with arugula and pinch of flaked sea salt; place skewer through each beet to serve.

Olive Oil Drizzled Pecorino Popcorn

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/2       cup grated pecorino, plus more for garnish
• 1/2       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
• 3          tablespoons Carapelli Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 1/3       cup yellow popcorn kernels

1. In bowl, combine pecorino and pepper; mix until well combined and there are no cheese clumps.
2. In small saucepan over low flame, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil; keep warm.
3. Add remaining olive oil and popcorn to large Dutch oven. Stir until all popcorn kernels are coated in oil.
4. Cover Dutch oven with lid and cook over medium-high heat, shaking pot periodically. Once popcorn begins to pop, lower heat to medium and continue to shake pot approximately every 15 seconds. When popping slows considerably, remove Dutch oven from heat and allow to rest until popping ceases, about 30 seconds.
5. Remove lid and transfer popcorn to large mixing bowl. Drizzle warm olive oil over popcorn; toss to coat. Sprinkle cheese mixture over popcorn; toss to coat.
6. Divide popcorn into bowls. Sprinkle some freshly grated pecorino and dash of freshly ground black pepper over top; serve.

Source:  Carapelli Olive Oil

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes

• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (regular or 98% fat free)
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 4)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1. MIX soup, water, rice, onion powder and black pepper in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with chicken. Sprinkle chicken with additional pepper. Cover.
2. BAKE at 375°F for 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is done.
3. UNCOVER. Sprinkle cheese over chicken. Remove chicken and stir rice before serving. Serves 4 to 6

Source: Campbell's Soup

Ingredients

• 4 medium red, green or yellow bell peppers
• 1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice, cooled
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Cut tops off bell peppers; remove seeds and membranes. Place peppers upright in 8-inch square baking dish, cutting thin slice off bottoms of peppers to stabilize, if necessary.
2. Combine tomatoes, tomato sauce and 1 tablespoon parsley in large bowl. Remove and reserve 1 cup tomato mixture. Combine ground beef, onion, rice, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and black pepper with remaining tomato mixture in bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
3. Spoon beef mixture evenly into peppers. Top with reserved tomato mixture. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
4. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Uncover baking dish; continue baking 35 to 40 minutes to medium (160°F) doneness, until beef is not pink in center and juices show no pink color. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Preparation and Cooking Time

1-1/2 hours

Calories: 328 | Total Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 77mg | Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g | Sodium: 824mg

Serves

4 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions:

Cook's Tip: Due to the natural nitrate content of certain ingredients such as onions, celery and bell peppers, ground beef may remain pink even when a 160°F internal temperature has been reached. Always verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to be certain it reaches 160°F.

SOURCE: National Cattlemen's Beef Association on behalf of The Beef Checkoff

Ingredients

• 4 (10- to 14-ounce) Omaha Steaks rib eye steaks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 teaspoons Blackening Seasoning (recipe below) or Omaha Steaks Blackened Seasoning
• 1 cup Creamy Horseradish Sauce (recipe below) or Omaha Steaks Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Blackening Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry oregano
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon fennel seed
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon green onions, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

Preparation

1. Heat a cast iron skillet until very hot, in a well ventilated area.
2. Brush steaks with olive oil.
3. Coat each side of the steaks with 1 teaspoon of blackening seasoning.
4. Place steaks in the iron skillet, flipping steaks halfway through cooking. To cook a 1-inch-thick steak medium rare, cook about 4 minutes on first side and 3 minutes on other side.
5. Spoon 2 tablespoons of Creamy Horseradish Sauce on each plate before topping with the cooked steak.
6. Blackening Seasoning - Yield 1 cup -Combine all ingredients and mix well.
7. Creamy Horseradish Sauce - Yield 1 cup -Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Serves

4

SOURCE: Omaha Steaks

(Family Features) - There's nothing better than a sizzling steak hot off the grill. If you're the grill master, you may be looking to brush up on the right techniques to make sure you have a great beef meal every time.

The Featured Cut

"Boneless top sirloin steak is perfect for the grill. It's versatile, tender and flavorful," says Chef Dave Zino, executive director of the Culinary Center for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "Top sirloin partners well with rubs, marinades and sauces that add complimentary accents - and it's perfect for cutting into pieces for kabobs, a great way to stretch your grilling budget. Although it seems so decadently delicious, top sirloin is one of the 29 cuts of beef that meet the government guidelines for lean, providing 156 calories and 4.6 grams of fat - as well as 10 essential nutrients - per 3-ounce cooked serving."

Three Easy Steps

Step 1:
Prepare gas or charcoal grill according to manufacturer's directions for medium heat.

Step 2:
Remove beef from refrigerator and season with a spice blend or marinade as desired. Place on preheated cooking grid.

Step 3:
Cook boneless top sirloin steak (1 inch thick) 17 to 21 minutes uncovered (charcoal grill) or 13 to 16 minutes covered (gas grill), turning occasionally. To determine doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally from the side, penetrating the thickest part or center of the steak. Allow 10 to 15 seconds for the thermometer to register the internal temperature. Steaks should be cooked to 145°F (medium rare) or 160°F (medium). After cooking, season with salt, as desired.

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com is the one-stop resource for tips and recipes that will help you make the most of your time at the grill.

Hoisin Beef Kabobs with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 pounds boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1 inch thick
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pineapple Salsa

• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

Preparation

1. Combine Pineapple Salsa ingredients in small bowl; set aside. Combine ketchup and hoisin sauce in another small bowl; set aside.
2. Cut beef steak into 1 inch pieces. Thread beef pieces evenly onto four 10 to 12 inch metal skewers. Season kabobs evenly with pepper.
3. Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Brush beef generously with some of reserved sauce mixture. Grill kabobs, covered, 6 to 8 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally and brushing with remaining sauce mixture. Season beef with salt, as desired. Serve kabobs topped with Pineapple Salsa.

Total Time

25 to 30 minutes

Serves

4 servings

SOURCE: The Beef Checkoff

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Dash cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds beef sirloin

Preparation

1. In small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, rosemary, paprika, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour to blend flavors.
2. Trim meat if needed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Transfer to large bowl.
3. Spoon half of mustard mixture over beef; toss gently to coat. Place in zipper plastic bag and marinate for least an hour in the refrigerator.
4. On 10-inch skewers, thread meat, leaving 1/4 inch between pieces.
5. Preheat grill.
6. Reduce heat to medium (on a gas grill). Place meat skewers on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill 8 to 10 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness, turning once and brushing with remaining mustard mixture halfway through grilling.

Preparation Time

30 minutes, plus marinade time

Cook Time

10 minutes

Serves

6

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

By Shana Beattie

SOURCE: United Soybean Board

(Family Features) - Pan-broiling on the stovetop is especially handy for quick and delicious steak dinners. Simply place the meat directly into a preheated nonstick skillet - that's it, nothing more! Keep the heat setting at medium to guarantee even browning.

The Featured Cut

"The flat iron steak originates from the chuck and is well-marbled and tender - holding its own against premier steaks from the rib and loin - and only surpassed in tenderness by the tenderloin at about half the cost," says Chef Dave Zino, executive director of the Culinary Center for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. "Pan-broiling showcases this steak's extraordinary flavor. And it should be noted that the flat iron is an excellent source of protein, providing 21 grams per 3-ounce cooked serving."
Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Heat heavy, nonstick skillet 5 minutes over medium heat.

Step 2: Remove beef from refrigerator and sprinkle with preferred seasonings. Place in preheated skillet without overcrowding. Do not add oil or water and do not cover.

Step 3: Cook flat iron steak (about 8 ounces each) 13 to 15 minutes, turning once. To determine doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally from the side, penetrating the thickest part or center of the steak. Allow 10 to 15 seconds for the thermometer to register the internal temperature. Steaks should be cooked to 145°F (medium rare) or 160°F (medium). After cooking, season with salt, as desired.

For more pan-broiling tips and recipes, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Flat Iron Steak with Balsamic Pepper Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 beef shoulder top blade (flat iron) steaks (about 8 ounces each)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth

Preparation

1. Bring vinegar to a boil in small saucepan; reduce heat to medium. Cook 20 minutes or until vinegar is reduced to 1/4 cup.
2. Press 1/2 teaspoon pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook steaks 13 to 15 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning once. Remove to platter; keep warm.
3. Mix butter and flour in small bowl until smooth. Add reduced vinegar, broth and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to same skillet. Gradually whisk in butter mixture until smooth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 1 minute, stirring constantly. Serve steaks with sauce.

SOURCE: The Beef Checkoff

Ingredients

• 2 cups panko or plain dried bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 4 turkey cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 4 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Preparation

1. Combine bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper in large shallow dish; set aside.
2. Combine mayonnaise, mustard and poultry seasoning with wire whisk in small bowl and season, if desired, with salt and pepper.
3. Season turkey, if desired, with salt and pepper. Brush 1 side of each turkey cutlet with mayonnaise mixture, then coat in bread crumbs.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook 2 turkey cutlets, bread side down, 3 minutes or until golden brown and a crust has formed. Turn over and cook an additional 2 minutes or until turkey is thoroughly cooked. Repeat with remaining oil and turkey.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Serves

4

Notes, Tips & Suggestions:

A Bobby Flay Recipe

SOURCE: Hellmann's®