Spicy Cocoa Ribeye Steak with Mixed Green Salad
"Indulge in a tantalizing flavor adventure with our Spicy Cocoa Ribeye Steak recipe. A mouthwatering blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, Chipotle spice, and a hint of sweetness takes these succulent ribeye steaks to new heights. Sear them to perfection, then let them rest while you whip up a vibrant mixed green salad, crowned with a zesty lemon dressing. The result? A sensational culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Let's dive into the captivating fusion of flavors and savor every delicious bite."
Cocoa Powder in Savory Dishes: One fascinating aspect of this recipe is the use of unsweetened cocoa powder as a key ingredient in the spicy cocoa rub for the ribeye steaks. While cocoa powder is typically associated with sweet desserts, its inclusion in savory dishes like this steak rub adds a unique depth of flavor. The cocoa's slightly bitter and earthy notes complement the spiciness of the other seasonings, resulting in a well-balanced and intriguing flavor profile for the steak.
Balancing Heat with Sweetness: The balance of flavors in this recipe is noteworthy. The rub combines various spices, including Chipotle powder and cayenne pepper, which contribute heat and spiciness to the dish. However, the addition of brown sugar in the rub brings a touch of sweetness that counteracts the heat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This demonstrates how carefully selected ingredients can work together to create a complex and well-rounded taste experience for the palate.
FAQs
**1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?**
Absolutely! While ribeye steaks work wonderfully with the spicy cocoa rub, you can experiment with other cuts like New York strip or filet mignon. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary based on the thickness of the steak.
**2. Is the cocoa flavor prominent in the steak?**
The cocoa flavor is not overwhelming; it adds a subtle depth to the overall taste. The cocoa powder pairs harmoniously with the other spices in the rub, creating a well-balanced and unique flavor profile.
**3. Can I adjust the spiciness level?**
Certainly! Feel free to adjust the amount of Chipotle powder and cayenne pepper in the rub to match your preferred spiciness level. Start with a smaller amount if you're sensitive to heat and gradually add more to suit your taste.
**4. What can I serve as a side dish if I'm not making the salad?**
If you're skipping the salad, consider serving the spicy cocoa ribeye steak with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a quinoa salad. The versatility of the steak allows you to pair it with a variety of sides.
**5. How do I achieve the desired level of doneness?**
For medium-rare, cooking the ribeye steaks for about 4 minutes per side should yield the desired result. If you prefer your steak cooked differently, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Invest in a meat thermometer to help you monitor the internal temperature for precision.
**6. Can I marinate the steaks with the rub in advance?**
It's recommended to apply the rub just before cooking. This ensures that the flavors are fresh and vibrant. If you prefer marinating, you can do so for a few hours in advance and then apply an extra layer of the rub right before cooking for an intensified flavor.
**7. Is the mixed green salad mandatory?**
Not at all! The mixed green salad is an optional accompaniment to the steak. Feel free to skip it or substitute with your favorite side dishes.
**8. How should I store leftover steak?**
If you have leftover cooked steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated gently in a skillet or oven, but be cautious not to overcook it.
**9. Can I make the rub in larger batches and store it?**
Absolutely! You can prepare a larger batch of the spicy cocoa rub and store it in an airtight container for future use. Just be mindful of the quantities to maintain the desired flavor balance.
**10. What beverages pair well with this dish?**
This flavorful steak pairs nicely with red wines like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For non-alcoholic options, consider a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling water with a twist of lime.
Remember that cooking is all about personalization, so don't hesitate to tweak the recipe to match your preferences and creativity. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Make it
Spicy Cocoa Ribeye Steak with Mixed Green Salad
**Ingredients:**
- Two 1-inch ribeye steaks (a little over 1 pound each)
- Paper towels
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 medium-sized red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives (optional)
- Feta cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sliced avocado for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Start by patting the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a small bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, Chipotle powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to create the spicy cocoa rub.
3. Generously rub the prepared mixture onto all sides of the ribeye steaks using your clean hands. Ensure that the rub is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot and slightly smoking, add the seasoned steaks.
5. Cook the steaks for about 4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare doneness. If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6. When the steaks are cooked to your liking, use tongs to remove them from the skillet. Allow the steaks to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period ensures that the juices redistribute within the meat for optimal flavor and tenderness.
7. While the steaks are resting, prepare the mixed green salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, green olives (if using), and feta cheese (if using). Top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese.
8. For the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set the dressing aside.
9. Once the steaks have rested, carefully slice them to your desired thickness.
10. To serve, arrange the sliced steak on plates alongside the mixed green salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve with sliced avocado on the side.
11. Enjoy your flavorful and delicious Spicy Cocoa Ribeye Steak with Mixed Green Salad! Buen provecho!
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