Chile-Glazed Hanger Steak
The Guajillo (wha-hee-oh) chile is the most common dried chile in Mexico after the Ancho. The flavor of the Guajillo is distinct, slightly fruity with a strong piney, berry under taste. Guajillo flavors dished easily so a little goes a long way. This chile is between a 2-4 on the heat scale of 1-10. Guajillo, combined with the Passilla and Ancho, form the holy trinity of chiles used to prepare the traditional mole sauces.
Suggested Use:
A mildly hot chile. Use in sauces, salsa, soups and your favorite chile. A little goes a long way.
Ingredients:
8 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
4 large garlic cloves
2 tsp dried oregano
6 Tbsp canola oil, plus more for brushing
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 trimmed hanger steak (about 1 lb), cut into 4 pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
Instructions:
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, cover the chiles with water and microwave at high power until softened, 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer the chiles and 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid to a blender. Add the garlic, oregano and 4 tablespoons of the canola oil. Puree until very smooth. Strain the puree and season with salt and pepper.
Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub with half of the chile puree. Transfer the steaks to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the remaining chile puree and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and vinegar and simmer for 3 minutes. Season the glaze with salt and pepper.
Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the steaks with oil and grill over moderate heat until medium-rare, 12 minutes. Brush with 3 tablespoons of the glaze in the last 2 minutes. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing 1/2 inch thick. Serve the steaks with the remaining chile glaze.
Serves 4.
Recipe by Grace Parisi, foodandwine.com.