Via: defendernetwork.com
A sensational summer menu can be simple, yet satisfying; exotic, yet familiar. Instead of making salad a sleepy side item this summer, mix things up and add some sizzle to the table with a sumptuous entrée salad straight from the grill.
Grilling adds intense flavor to summer’s freshest salad ingredients. Try choosing a selection of colorful fruits, flavorful meats, crisp vegetables, delicious seasonings and luscious marinades that pop. Two delectable choices that can make your grilled salads sing are beef and fresh mango. Beef is a traditional summer grilling favorite. In fact, according to a recent survey, conducted by Pelegrin Gray on behalf of the Beef Checkoff Program, 55 percent of Americans prefer to grill beef, such as a steak like filet, ribeye or T-bone, versus other meat. Also, mango is the world’s most popular fruit, and a year-round source of the naturally sweet, refreshing taste of the tropics.
For recipes and instructions on how to select and cut a mango, visit mango.org. Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for beef grilling guidelines and additional recipes.
Simple Steak Grilling Tips
* Use a medium heat setting on a gas or charcoal grill. For charcoal grills, carefully hold the palm of your hand at cooking height above the ash-covered coals. Count the number of seconds you can hold your hand in that position; approximately 4 seconds is medium heat.
* Always use tongs to turn steaks. Using a fork will pierce the beef, allowing flavorful juices to escape.
* For best results, cook steaks to medium rare (145°F) or medium (160°F) doneness. The most accurate way to determine temperature is with an instant-read thermometer.
Make the Most of Mangos
* Mangos contain more than 20 different vitamins and minerals, are an excellent source of vitamins C and A and a good source of dietary fiber.
* Color is not the best indicator of ripeness. Simply squeeze the mango gently to determine ripeness level. A ripe mango should give slightly, but not be too soft.
* To ripen mangos, store at room temperature. Once ripe, store mangos in the refrigerator for up to five days.
National Mango Board
The Beef Checkoff
Culinary.net
