Spice-Rubbed Steaks with Grilled Gazpacho Sauce / JillHough.com

Spice-Rubbed Steaks with Grilled Gazpacho Sauce

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This recipe, one I created for Fine Cooking magazine, is inspired by the classic Spanish soup, and features a spicy, smoky, tangy sauce that’s also delicious with grilled chicken breasts or pork chops.

Serves 4

  • 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 red bell pepper, quartered and seeded
  • 1/2 red onion, cut into 6 wedges through the root
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 New York steaks, about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, plus small sprigs for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, or more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Hot sauce to taste (optional)
  • 12 olives (black, green, or a combination)

In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion with 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil. Sprinkle the steaks on both sides with the remaining spice mixture, rubbing it into the meat.

Preheat a grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grate. Grill the steaks, flipping once, until cooked to your liking, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare or 5 minutes per side for medium. Grill the pepper and onion until softened and lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill the tomato, skin side down, until softened and lightly charred, about 2 minutes. (Return the vegetables to the large bowl as they come off the grill.) Set the steaks aside to rest, lightly covered with foil, for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the grilled vegetables and any accumulated juices with the oregano, vinegar, cumin, and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and pulse until coarsely chopped, like a chunky salsa. Taste and add salt, additional vinegar, and hot sauce if you like.

Serve the steaks with the sauce on top, garnished with the olives.

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