RECIPE

Chile-Rubbed Flank Steak with White Polenta

  • ACTIVE: 50 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS
  • SERVINGS: 4

Jing Tio hand-delivers bottles of Spanish arbequina olive oil to chef Ron Siegel of the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. Siegel uses the artichoke-inflected oil to marinate flank steak. The oil has such a wonderful flavor that Siegel also uses it in place of butter in the soft polenta that accompanies the beef.

  • ACTIVE: 50 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS
  • SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. One 1 3/4-pound flank steak
    2. 4 garlic cloves, minced
    3. 3 Thai bird chiles, minced
    4. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    5. 3 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
    6. 1 cup white polenta or stone-ground white cornmeal (5 1/2 ounces)
    7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    8. 1/4 cup mascarpone
    9. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    10. Aged balsamic vinegar, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large, shallow dish, coat the flank steak with the garlic and chiles. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and set aside at room temperature for 2 hours.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderately low heat, whisking often, until the polenta is thick and no longer gritty, about 45 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, light a grill. Season the steak with salt and pepper and grill over a hot fire until nicely browned on the outside and medium-rare within, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to a carving board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. When the polenta is tender, stir in the mascarpone, Parmesan and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the polenta with salt and pepper.
  5. Slice the flank steak against the grain 1/4 inch thick. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve with the polenta.

Make Ahead

The flank steak can marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before grilling.