RECIPE
© William Meppem
Grilled Texas T-Bone Steaks with Charred Onion Rings
- Contributed by Steven Raichlen
- ACTIVE:
- TOTAL TIME:
-
SERVINGS:
4
The true secret to grilling the perfect steak is choosing the right cut. You can't beat a T-bone, which is actually two steaks in one: a flavorful New York Strip and a meltingly tender piece of filet mignon. A T-bone can also handle assertive seasonings such as the spicy rub used here.
- ACTIVE:
- TOTAL TIME:
-
SERVINGS:
4
Ingredients
-
Ingredients
- 2 cups mesquite or hickory chips
- 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- Kosher salt
- Four 1-pound T-bone steaks, about 1 1/4 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, each cut crosswise into four 1-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons pure olive oil
- Vegetable oil, for the grill
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- Soak the mesquite chips in water for 30 minutes and drain. On a cutting board, sprinkle the garlic with a pinch of kosher salt and crush with the side of a knife until a smooth paste forms.
- Lay the steaks in a large, shallow baking dish. Rub both sides of the steaks with the garlic paste. In a small bowl, combine the chile powder with 2 teaspoons of salt, the cumin, oregano and pepper. Sprinkle half of the rub on both sides of the steaks.
- In another small bowl, combine the Tabasco with the Worcestershire sauce and spoon over the steaks; then pat the liquid into the spice rub so it forms a paste. Refrigerate the steaks for 30 minutes or for up to 4 hours.
- Light a grill. Thread the onion slices onto skewers and brush with the olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with the remaining spice rub.
- If using charcoal, scatter the wood chips over the coals. If using a gas grill, place the chips in the smoker box or on a 12-inch square of foil; fold the foil into a 6-inch square and poke 12 holes in the top. Place the package near the flames and heat until smoking. Lightly brush the grate with vegetable oil.
- Set the steaks on the grill and cook over a medium-hot fire for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare. Grill the onion slices until tender and nicely charred, 6 minutes per side. Transfer the steaks to plates and serve with the onion rings and lime wedges.
- From Memorial Day Cookout, Perfect Grilling
- Published June 2001