Spiced Beef Salad and Grana Padano
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Energy Kcal 616
- Carbohydrates g 10.1
- of which sugars g 10.1
- Protein g 35.5
- Fats g 48.2
- of which saturated fat g 11.04
- Fiber g 3.5
- Cholesterol mg 97
- Sodium mg 1203
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 8 min
- Serving: 2
- Note + 15 min. for marinating the meat
PRESENTATION
So here's the thing, if you’re diving into the flavors of Northern Italy, this spiced beef salad is really, really something you gotta try. It's all about tender beef filet, quickly marinated with these aromatic herbs, then seared to rare perfection. You know, like that classic "tagliata" style everyone loves in the region. And listen, instead of just the usual arugula and tomatoes, this salad shakes it up with fresh cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes. Seriously good. This swap brings a crunchy, refreshing twist that makes each bite light yet flavorful. Plus, Grana Padano cheese is scattered on top—delivering just the right hit of salty richness. Yum.
The result? A beef salad recipe that totally reflects the locals’ knack for a perfect balance of flavors. It's like beef carpaccio’s more laid-back cousin. You know, the beef is cooked rare to keep it moist and tender, none of that chewy stuff. The spices from the marinade infuse subtly—enhancing the taste without drowning out those Italian vibes. Also, with crunchy veggies and Grana Padano shavings, you get this tangy and savory mix that feels light but is still so satisfying. For real.
Even those who dig something heartier than a typical Italian cheese salad will find this dish pretty great. It’s for anyone after something fresh, yet clinging to quality ingredients. Whether you call it a beef salad with cheese or a refreshing change from an arugula salad, it embraces Northern Italy’s tradition of spotlighting premium ingredients. This spiced beef recipe keeps it simple and offers a great mix of taste and texture, ensuring every bite is a little culinary adventure. So next time you are craving something different yet totally Italian, give this salad a whirl. You'll love it.
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INGREDIENTS
- Beef filet 8.8 oz (250 g)
- Cucumbers 1.3 lbs (300 g)
- Datterino tomatoes 1.4 cups (250 g)
- Grana Padano PDO cheese 1.4 oz (40 g) - Aged over 20 months
- Mint to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- For the marinade
- Extra virgin olive oil 4 ½ tbsp (60 g)
- Mint 3 leaves
- Thyme 1 sprig
- Red pepper to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Spiced Beef Salad and Grana Padano
To prepare the spiced beef salad and Grana Padano, first make the marinade for the meat: pour the olive oil into a tall, narrow glass 1, add the mint leaves 2, thyme 3,
pink peppercorns 4, and black pepper 5 and blend with an immersion blender 6 until you get a smooth consistency.
Clean the beef fillet by removing any fat or connective tissue, then transfer it to a container 7 and pour the herb and oil emulsion over it 8. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes 9. You can turn the meat after 6-7 minutes to ensure the other side is well coated in the marinade.
In the meantime, focus on the rest of the dish: wash and then quarter the cherry tomatoes 10, peel the cucumber and slice it thinly with a vegetable peeler 11. Place the cucumbers in a bowl and add the chopped cherry tomatoes 12.
Now you can cook the meat: after marinating, cook the fillet on a very hot grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side (13-14). Transfer the fillet to a cutting board, let it rest for a few seconds, and slice it thinly across the grain 15.
Now you can complete the salad: lay the slices of meat over the cucumbers and tomatoes 16, add the Grana Padano DOP shavings 17, season with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper, and finally, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. Your spiced beef salad and Grana Padano is ready to be enjoyed 18!