Spicy Blackened Steak Salad with Blue Cheese
Indulge in this spicy blackened steak salad that perfectly balances smokiness with freshness, making it a standout dish inspired by the beloved Chicago Chop House. Using a blend of aromatic spices, the steak is seared to perfection, creating a delicious crust that locks in flavor. This salad is vibrant with mixed baby greens, bell peppers, and red onions, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. Topped with sautéed mushrooms and crumbled blue cheese, this dish brings together hearty and refreshing elements that make it ideal for lunch or dinner. Feel free to double the spice mix for use in other meats, or simply savor the layered flavors of this stunning dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Paprika
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Ground black pepper
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (Table salt)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Powdered)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground (reduce for less spice))
Dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon (Dried)
Dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon (Dried)
Olive oil
0.25 cup (Extra virgin, for salad dressing)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (Condiment)
Mixed baby greens
6 cups (Packed)
Bell pepper
0.5 (Thinly sliced)
Red onion
0.5 cup (Thinly sliced)
Tomatoes
1 (Quartered)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (For brushing steaks)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Beef steaks
10-12 ounces (About 1/2 inch thick, any cut)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Mushrooms
1 cup (Sliced)
Blue cheese or gorgonzola
6 tablespoons (Crumbled)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the spice mix. In a small bowl, combine paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
2
For the salad, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add mixed greens, sliced bell pepper, and red onion, then toss gently to coat. Divide the salad among serving plates.
3
For the steaks, preheat a grill or heavy skillet over high heat. Brush the steaks with extra virgin olive oil infused with minced garlic. On a plate, spread the prepared spice mixture and thoroughly coat both sides of the steaks. Next, dip both sides into melted butter.
4
Add the seasoned steaks and sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet or grill, cooking for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. Note that the mushrooms will require additional cooking time; adjust as necessary. Transfer the cooked steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 2 minutes before slicing them thinly against the grain.
5
Arrange the sliced steak on top of the prepared salads. Scatter the sautéed mushrooms over the steak. Finally, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese atop the salads and garnish with quartered tomatoes and avocado slices before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Spicy Blackened Steak Salad?
This dish balances smokiness from the blackened steak with the freshness of mixed greens and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette.
What ingredients are needed for the blackened spice mix?
The spice mix consists of paprika, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
How long can the prepared spice mixture be stored?
You can store the spice mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
What is the base for the salad dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, seasoned with salt and pepper.
Which vegetables are included in the salad mix?
The salad includes mixed baby greens, thinly sliced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onions.
How should I prepare the steaks before cooking?
Brush the steaks with garlic-infused olive oil, coat both sides in the spice mixture, and then dip them into melted butter.
What is the recommended cooking time for the steaks?
Cook the steaks for approximately 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached.
How should the mushrooms be prepared and cooked?
The mushrooms should be sliced and added to the hot skillet or grill alongside the steaks, though they may require more cooking time.
Why is it important to let the steak rest after cooking?
Resting the steak for 2 minutes before slicing helps lock in the flavors and ensures the meat remains juicy.
How should the steak be sliced for the salad?
The steak should be sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What type of cheese is recommended for this salad?
You can use either crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola.
What are the final garnishes for the dish?
The salad is garnished with quartered tomatoes and fresh avocado slices.
Can I make this salad less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix to lower the heat level.
What equipment is needed to cook the steak?
You can use either a grill or a heavy skillet preheated over high heat.
How thick should the beef steaks be for this recipe?
The steaks should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What kind of oil should I use for the steak infusion?
Extra virgin olive oil infused with minced garlic is recommended for brushing the steaks.
Which restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of the Chicago Chop House.
How many cups of greens are required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of packed mixed baby greens.
Can I use the blackened spice mix for other dishes?
Yes, the spice mix is versatile and can be doubled for use on other types of meat.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the steak preparation?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is the salad tossed with the dressing before adding the steak?
Yes, the greens, bell peppers, and onions are tossed in the dressing and divided onto plates before the steak is added.
How much butter is used for the steaks?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter for dipping the steaks.
What is the total weight of the beef steaks needed?
You will need between 10 to 12 ounces of beef steaks.
Can I use any cut of steak?
Yes, any cut of steak will work as long as it is approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What is the measurement for the paprika in the spice mix?
The spice mix requires 1 tablespoon of paprika.
How much blue cheese should be sprinkled on each salad?
The recipe uses a total of 6 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese for the entire dish.
What type of mustard is best for the vinaigrette?
Dijon mustard is specified to give the dressing its zesty character.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced, using about 0.5 cup for the salad.
Does the recipe include avocado?
While listed in the instructions as a garnish, it complements the quartered tomatoes and blue cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal suitable for both lunch and dinner.