Peppers Charred In The Embers With Wasabi Vinaigrette Recipes

CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Build a hot fire. Wood is ideal, charcoal a good second. The rack shouldn't be more than 3 to 4 inches from the fire, and you can start the peppers just as the flames begin to die down; there will be no flare-up.
• Put the peppers on the grill without crowding too much. As they blacken, turn them so they char on all or at least most surfaces. As they finish, transfer to a bowl, where you can pile them up. (There is no need to put them in a paper bag, as you may have read.)
• Let cool. Peel and seed, using as little water as you can to rinse remaining seeds and skin from the peppers. But don't be too compulsive: a few seeds and bits of skin are fine. Also, the closer to whole the peppers remain, the more attractive they are.
• Serve, dressed with olive oil, and salt if desired. Lemon juice won't hurt; neither will capers or anchovies. These will keep, refrigerated, for at least a week.

PEPPERS CHARRED IN THE EMBERS WITH WASABI VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine first 7 ingredients in small bowl; whisk to blend well. (Vinaigrette can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.) Remove grill rack from barbecue. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Rake coals into even layer. Allow coals to burn until just beginning to turn ash-gray. Place peppers directly on coals. Cook until peppers are blackened on all sides, turning frequently with tongs, about 7 minutes. Transfer peppers to bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Cool peppers to room temperature. Peel and seed peppers, then cut into 2x1-inch pieces.
• Arrange peppers on platter. Spoon vinaigrette over; sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
• *Wasabi paste is available at Asian markets and in tubes in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.

DRY RUBBED HANGER STEAK WITH SMOKY AIOLI AND CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• For the steak: Place the steaks on a parchment-lined sheet pan. In a small bowl, mix the mustard powder, paprika, salt, chili powder and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture all over the steaks. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Make the charred peppers: Heat a large braiser or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until searing hot. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the baby bell sweet and shishito peppers with the olive oil, habaneros, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add the pepper mixture to the braiser and lower the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and tender but still with some bite, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Make the vinaigrette: While the peppers are cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, pickled peppers, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Once the charred pepper mixture is cooked, add them to the vinaigrette along with the quartered pickled peppers. Toss to coat well and set aside.
• Make the aioli: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pepper brine, cherry peppers, paprika, garlic and salt to taste. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Cook the steaks: Preheat a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks on the grill pan or grill, flipping only once, for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until an instant-read thermometer registers between 120 to 125 degrees F. Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness. Sprinkle with the basil, chives and thyme. Serve with the charred peppers and smoky oli.

WASABI-SOY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small liquid measuring cup or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/4 cup water, the garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and wasabi paste. Whisk to combine, or, if using a jar, seal tightly and shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and add more wasabi if you like; the wasabi flavor will intensify as the vinaigrette sits.
• Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This tastes great with any green salad, of course, but also with raw, crunchy vegetables, like cucumbers, sugar snap peas and thinly sliced asparagus.

WASABI VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a jar, combine wasabi powder and water. Let stand 5 minutes.
• Add vinegars and whisk to combine.
• Stir in oil and shake well to combine.
• Add parsley and salt (if desired) and shake well before serving.