Warm summer weather usually means more time spent outside with family and friends, firing up the grill and cooking more dinners over an open flame.
The grill is a useful tool for preparing a delicious meal, with minimal clean-up required and can also be a healthier way to cook, since less fat is typically added in preparation.
Beef Nutrition
The first thing that comes to mind for most people when thinking of summer grilling is probably the protein. After all, few things say summer like the sound or smell of hamburgers and steaks sizzling on the grill. For most Americans, the protein is typically the centerpiece around which we build the meal and among proteins, beef happens to be one of the best sources.
A high-quality, complete protein, beef provides all nine essential amino acids, which are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and are the building blocks of all cells in the body. A three-ounce serving of beef supplies an average of 25 grams of protein or about 50% of the daily value. Beef also supplies essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron and B vitamins.
Alongside a healthy eating pattern that incorporates plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, beef can be included to help reach wellness goals.
Certified Angus Beef
When consuming red meat, it’s essential to think about quality and optimization of flavor. Food City is proud to do exactly that by serving Certified Angus Beef at the meat counter. All Certified Angus Beef adheres to ten quality standards that ensures the best marbling for flavor, as well as consistency in sizing, tenderness and appearance.
For Certified Angus Beef’s Prime cuts, nine additional criteria are applied that other brands of Angus beef do not have to meet, resulting in the best quality, texture and taste. Some of the best cuts to throw on the grill at your next cookout include Ribeye, New York strip and T-bone.
While the generous marbling of the meat provides flavor, some of the leaner cuts, like filet mignon, are also incredibly tender and flavorful, and go great on the grill. A great option for feeding a crowd, top sirloin is the perfect blend of cost efficient, flavorful and lean. This moderately tender cut will also grill well.
Tips for Preparation
When meat is placed directly on a high heat source, such as grill grates, the proteins in the meat begin to break down and denature. These proteins interact with sugars resulting in a browning and depth of flavor, known as the Maillard reaction.
Drawing some of the moisture away from the meat by applying a salt rub at least one hour prior to grilling will result in a better sear on the steak. For even richer flavor and color, salt can be applied to the meat the day before and left uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.
Marinating meats ahead of time will flavor the meat, while resulting in a more tender and succulent steak. Marinades are typically composed of an acid, such as citrus juice, buttermilk, wine or vinegar, which work to break down the connective tissues of the protein. Pairing the citrus component with oil, herbs and spice helps to balance the flavor of the dish.
Alternatively, meat tenderizers can be applied directly to the meat. Proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain found in pineapple, or papain from papaya are the active ingredients in meat tenderizers which work to break down collagen in the meat.
Herb Marinated Top Sirloin Steak
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. boneless Certified Angus Beef top sirloin steak
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Preparation
- Cut steak 1-inch thick.
- Combine dry mustard, marjoram, oregano and basil.
- Slowly add broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add vinegar, oil and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place top sirloin steaks in zip-lock bag; pour marinade over steaks.
- Marinate for 2 to 3 hours, turning about every 45 minutes.
- Remove steaks from marinade and grill steaks to desired doneness.
Visit foodcity.com for more inspired recipes and grill-ready cuts.