Grilling Isn't Just For Men Anymore

One of my favorite things about Summer is grilling. There's almost nothing in the world that makes me happier than throwing some ribs, corn, or shrimp kabobs on the grill and having a beautiful dinner outside. For me, it's the essence of Summer.

What frustrates me about this picture is that so often on television and throughout history, we have been told that grilling is a "MAN's" job. I would like to take this moment and say this is complete bullsh*t. The way I look at it, if a man can do it, a woman can most certainly do better. Women seem to be afraid of grilling because they have this idea in their head that grilling is complicated or messy or un-ladylike. But these are all false. Grilling is actually extremely simple and is often less messy and takes half the clean up as sauteing, frying or even baking might do.

I want this post to really encourage women to go out and try grilling for the first time. It can be so much fun and so rewarding, especially in the summer when the last thing you want to do is be cooped up behind a hot stove in the kitchen. So here is one of my favorite grilling recipes to inspire you to take up those tongs, raise your beer and show that grill (and your man) who is boss.

If you are interested in learning the ins and outs of grilling, sign up for my Grilling and Chillin' class on July 23rd. Just visit Amandacooks.com to register.


Grilled Skirt Steak with the Best Marinade
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds skirt, flank or hanger steak, scored*

Marinade:

3 shallots, minced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tb. Dijon mustard

1 Tb. rosemary, chopped

Fresh black pepper

1/2 cup dry red wine

2 scallions, julienne, garnish



Procedure

1. Place the steak in a shallow baking dish.

2. Combine marinade ingredients, except wine and scallions in a medium bowl. Pour over steak and marinate about 2 hours or overnight, refrigerated.

3. Half hour before grilling remove steak from the refrigerator.

4. Heat grill pan for about 5 minutes. Grill steak, reserving marinade 7 to 8 minutes on each side for medium-rare meat. Remove to a cutting board.

5. Bring marinade to a boil with the red wine in a small saucepan, boil for 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside. Slice meat thinly against the grain. Place on a serving platter and pour the marinade over. Garnish with the scallions and serve.



*To use this recipe for salmon- marinate no more than an hour and grill for 5 minutes- turn and then another 4 minutes. Or bake in a 400 oven for 10 minutes.