Spicy Beef and Grana Padano Salad
Category: Salads
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef tenderloin | 250g |
| Cucumbers | 300g |
| Cherry tomatoes (datterini) | 250g |
| Grana Padano DOP (cheese) | 40g |
| Fresh mint | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60g |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Pink peppercorns | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by preparing the marinade for the beef. In a tall, narrow glass, combine the olive oil, fresh mint leaves, thyme, and pink peppercorns. Stir to blend the flavors. -
-
Prepare the Beef:
Clean the beef tenderloin, removing any fat or connective tissue. Place the meat in a shallow dish or bowl, then pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Turn the beef after 6-7 minutes to ensure both sides are coated. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the beef is marinating, wash and prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes into quarters. Peel the cucumber and slice it thinly using a vegetable peeler for delicate ribbons. Place the cucumber slices and quartered tomatoes in a bowl and set aside. -
Cook the Beef:
Once the beef has marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet until very hot. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium rare is recommended for this recipe). After cooking, transfer the beef to a cutting board, allowing it to rest for a minute before slicing it thinly against the grain. -
Assemble the Salad:
To assemble, arrange the cucumber and tomato mixture on a serving plate. Place the thinly sliced beef on top. Shave the Grana Padano cheese over the salad. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. -
Garnish and Serve:
Finish by garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves. Your Spicy Beef and Grana Padano Salad is now ready to serve and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Salad:
- Use high-quality Grana Padano for a rich, creamy flavor that balances perfectly with the beef.
- If you prefer a stronger herbal flavor, you can increase the amount of fresh thyme and mint in the marinade.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can lightly toast the pink peppercorns in a dry skillet before adding them to the marinade.
This fresh, flavorful salad is perfect for a light meal or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. The balance of tender, spicy beef, crisp vegetables, and the creamy, nutty Grana Padano cheese makes for a truly satisfying dish!
