Rose Pistola Terrorized Steak

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Steak

• 1 cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh marjoram
• 1/2 cup garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup dried red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil
• 6 New York steaks

Accompaniment

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons Compound Butter (recipe follows)
• 1 to 2 bunches watercress (enough for 6 small salads)
• 6 lemon wedges for garnishing

Compound Butter

• 3 canned anchovy fillets, drained
• 2 small garlic cloves
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 bunch chives, minced

Instructions

Steak

1. Combine the rosemary, marjoram, garlic, dried red pepper, salt and 1/4 cup pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in olive oil. Place steaks in a pan large enough to hold them in a single layer and pour over marinade, turning several times so steaks are well coated. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Accompaniment

1. Whisk lemon juice and salt together in a small bowl to dissolve. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Set aside.
2. Heat grill over hot coals. Rub off excess marinade from steaks. Season lightly with fresh pepper. Cook until almost to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a platter and let stand for 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Return steaks to grill and finish cooking, about 1 to 2 minutes more. (Alternatively, steaks can be cooked indoors on a grill pan, skillet or broiler using same resting time.) Transfer steaks to plates. Top each with a pat of Compound Butter. Drizzle dressing over watercress; toss to coat. Place salad alongside the steaks.
4. Serve with lemon wedges.

Compound Butter

1. Use a mortar and pestle to pound together the anchovy, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper. When smooth, transfer to a small bowl and stir in the softened butter and chives.
2. Form into a log and refrigerate or freeze until firm.

Notes

Leftover butter can be stored in the freezer and used tossed on hot noodles, as a topping on grilled or sautéed meats, or spread on bread before toasting in the oven or grilling.

Attribution

Reed Hearon, chef/owner of Rose Pistola - San Francisco, California