Steak Toppers: Flavored Butters

Everyone enjoys dressing up the basic burger with creative toppers. But what about your favorite steak?

Go beyond the basic sautéed mushrooms and onions by adding flavored butter, or compound butter, as a delicious accent to a grilled steak. Butters may be prepared up to three days in advance and refrigerated, covered, until needed.

Green Onion & Garlic Butter

¼ cup (1/2 stick) salted butter,
    very soft
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir with fork until uniformly blended.
Makes about 1/3 cup.

Chipotle Chile Butter
 
¼ cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, very soft
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers in
     abodo sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir with fork until uniformly blended.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Ginger-Mango Salsa

2 cups finely diced fresh mango

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Makes about 2 cups.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

1/2 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, cut

    into 1-1/2 inch chunks (about 3 cups)

1 medium red onion, cut into 12 wedges

1 large red or green bell pepper cut into 1-

    1/2 inch pieces

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons freshly grated lime zest

1/2 teaspoon salt

Alternately thread fruit and vegetable pieces onto 10-inch metal skewers.

Place kabobs on grid over ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.

Remove fruit and vegetables from skewers; coarsely chop. Combine with lime juice, olive oil, cumin, lime peel and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl.

• Top cooked steaks with crumbled blue, feta or goat cheese, or even with grated Parmesan.
• Combine minced fresh herbs and garlic with a small amount of olive oil to make a savory seasoning paste, spoon over steaks as they finish on the grill.
• Do you like to bring the heat or super sweet? Doctor up your typical BBQ sauce off the shelf with a little extra hot sauce or brown sugar to meet your taste.
• Top cooked steaks with a dollop of prepared pesto, olive tapenade or sun dried tomato spread.

Looking for a flavor boost?

• Choose prepared rubs and marinades from the supermarket to save time.
• Use prepared dressings such as non-creamy Italian or Caesar, Oriental and Balsamic Vinaigrette, for easy, no-fuss flavor and tenderizing marinades.