Pepper Steak Salad with Mango, Avocado, & Jalapeno Vinaigrette

(from msmar’s recipe box)

Cook’s Tip: To prepare on gas grill, preheat grill according to manufacturer’s directions for medium heat. Grill steaks, covered, 7 to 10 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Cooking times for jalapeno peppers remain the same.

Cook’s Tip: 2 beef shoulder petite tender roasts (8 to 12 ounces each) may be substituted for top loin (strip) steaks. Grill shoulder petite tender roasts, covered, over medium, ash-covered coals l4 to 18 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 14 to 19 minutes) for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

Cook’s Tip: For less heat, use the lower amounts of jalapeno peppers and ground black pepper.

Cook’s Tip: Cotija is a firm, white Mexican cheese with a salty flavor and texture similar to Parmesan. To shave firm cheeses, use a vegetable peeler to easily remove wide, thin strips.

Source: Food Network Challenge: National Beef Cook-Off

Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves 4 people

Categories: Beef, Main Dish, Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless beef top loin (strip) steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
  • Jalapeno Vinaigrette:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 mango, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1/2 small avocado, cut lengthwise into 8 slices
  • Salt
  • 1 shallot, very thinly sliced and separated into rings
  • 2 tablespoons shaved firm Cotija cheese or Parmesan

Directions

  1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium heat.

  2. Place the jalapeno peppers on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill uncovered, for about 11 to 13 minutes or until evenly blistered and blackened. Place in a food-safe plastic bag; close bag. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes until skins are loosened.

  3. Press black pepper evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 10 to 12 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Remove from grill and let stand while preparing vinaigrette.

  4. Meanwhile prepare Jalapeno Vinaigrette:

  5. Remove and discard skins, seeds and membranes from jalapeno peppers. Place peppers, lime juice, cilantro, water and salt in food processor container. Cover and pulse on and off until combined. With motor running, slowly add oil through opening in cover, processing until well blended.

  6. Arrange salad greens on serving platter. Fan the mango and avocado slices over greens.

  7. Carve steaks into slices and season with salt, to taste. Arrange over salad. Top with shallots and drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with cheese.

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