Smoky Cilantro Pesto Beef Crostini
Shoulder Center (Ranch Cut) Steak  |  24 Servings

Smoky Cilantro Pesto Beef Crostini

Ingredients

  • 2 beef shoulder center (ranch cut) steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
  • 24 slices baguette bread, cut diagonally 1/2 inch thick
  • 1/4 cup grated Cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Smoky Cilantro Pesto

  • 3 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 small chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Smoky Cilantro Pesto. Place cilantro, pine nuts, chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice and black pepper in food processor container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add cheese; pulse on and off until just combined. With motor running, slowly add oil through opening in cover, processing until smooth.
  2. Spread 1/4 cup pesto evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks in glass dish. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining pesto.
  3. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Arrange 12 bread slices around steaks. Grill steaks, covered, 11 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 12 to 16 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill bread slices 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted, turning once. Remove bread slices from grill. Repeat with remaining 12 bread slices.
  4. Spread 2 teaspoons remaining pesto on each toasted bread slice. Carve steaks into thin slices. Place beef slices evenly over bread slices. Top evenly with 1/4 cup cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.