Steak Lettuce Wraps Recipe
a
tender marinated beef with mint-lime sauce

Steak lettuce wraps are a fun appetizer to serve at a party because guests can construct them themselves, and are so simple to make you can also enjoy them any night of the week. Made from a lean but still flavor cut of beef - the top blade, or flat iron - this cut is flavorful and juicy still when quickly seared and is quite affordable. A tangy sauce made of lime and mint adds an exotic, fresh flavor. 

You might think that the best wine pairing with any steak dish is always going to be a rich red, but with this preparation we find that a lively rosé is just right. Rosé will liven up the taste buds over appetizers, and has the bright acidity to work well with the citrus elements in the dish. Our 'steal' rosé is from the Northwest U.S., and our 'Splurge' is from one of our favorite parts of the world - Provence.

Wine Pairing

"Splurge"
2009 Domaines Ott Les  Domaniers, Côtes de Provence
From the reigning region of rosé - Provence. Classic, elegant and refreshing! ($19.99)

"Steal"
2009 Murphy's Law Rosé,
Northwest U.S.  
A blend of grapes from both Oregon and Washington states, using traditional Rhone varieties. ($12)

Steak Lettuce Wraps Ingredients:

1 lb top blade steak (about 4 cuts)
1 head of Boston lettuce
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
6 clementines or other tangerines
2 limes
1 bunch fresh mint leaves

Steak Lettuce Wraps Cooking Instructions:

1.) To prep the steaks, feel the area through the middle of the steak for a streak of tough connective tissue. Divide each steak cut in half along this area and trim it away. Season both sides with salt and fresh ground pepper.

2.) In a medium bowl, add juice from the clementines, with 1/4 cup vinegar and honey. Add steaks and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.

3.) In a blender, mix juice from the limes, mint leaves, 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4.) Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan and sear each steak about 1 minute on each side for medium rare. If you prefer more doneness, cook up to an extra minute on each side for well. Place meat on a fresh plate to rest for 5 minutes.

5.) After resting, slice steak into 1" strips. Wash and dry lettuce, pulling apart individual leaves.

6.) Serve steak and lettuce leaves with mint sauce on the side. Your guests can make their own wraps by placing a steak strip in the center of a lettuce leaf, and dressing with sauce. Simply roll up and enjoy!


Next Recipe:  Turkey Empanadas with Pineapple-Cranberry Salsa