Difficulty: Moderate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

There’s something utterly magical about biting into a perfectly cooked rib eye steak, grilled to perfection and adorned with the vibrant flavors of Italian salsa verde. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it takes me back to a sun-soaked afternoon in Tuscany, where I stumbled upon a tiny family-run trattoria nestled amidst olive groves. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of grilled meat, luring me in. Little did I know that this humble dish would become a steadfast favorite, conjuring memories of that unforgettable experience every time I prepare it. Now, let us embark on a culinary journey together and recreate this rustic delight!

Ingredients:

• 2 rib eye steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the Italian Salsa Verde:

• 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional for an umami boost)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaks:
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s prepare the steak. Start by ensuring your rib eye steaks are at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing them to cook evenly.

2. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to high heat. While the grill is heating up, generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

3. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the steaks with olive oil, ensuring they are coated on all sides. This will help create a beautiful crust during grilling and prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Steaks:
Once your grill is hot and ready, place the seasoned rib eye steaks on the grill grates. Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the timing according to your desired level of doneness.

5. Prepare the Salsa Verde:
While the steaks are grilling, let’s prepare the Italian salsa verde. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped Italian parsley, capers, minced garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice.

6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously stirring the mixture. Adding the oil gradually will allow you to achieve a harmonious and well-emulsified salsa verde.

7. Season the Salsa Verde:
Season the salsa verde with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Its zesty, herbaceous flavors paired with the richness of the steak will create a culinary symphony on your palate.

8. Rest the Steaks:
Once the steaks are done to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices within the meat to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent steak.

9. Assemble and Serve:
Finally, it’s time to assemble our masterpiece. Slice the grilled rib eye steaks against the grain, creating thin slices that showcase the meat’s tenderness. Arrange the slices on a platter and generously drizzle the Italian salsa verde over the top.

Tips and Variations:

• For an extra hit of umami, consider adding a couple of finely chopped anchovy fillets to the salsa verde. It will add a delightful depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can briefly blanch the minced garlic before adding it to the salsa verde. This technique helps to mellow the pungent notes.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the salsa verde. Adding a touch of fresh basil, mint, or cilantro can provide exciting flavor variations.
• If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still achieve fantastic results by using a stovetop grill pan. Simply preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same instructions.

There you have it, a grilled rib eye steak adorned with the flavors of Italy, accompanied by a refreshing salsa verde. May each bite transport you to distant places, evoking cherished memories or inspiring new ones. Bon appétit!