Five Spice Steak Frites With Scallion Cucumber Salad Recipes

SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Partially peel the cucumbers by removing alternate strips of the skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Smash the cucumber with a flat side of a cleaver or large knife or a rolling pin or meat mallet until it is flattened with jagged edges. Split each cucumber half in half again lengthwise. Cut the strips into 1-inch pieces diagonally.
• Toss the cucumber and salt together in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature until the cucumber releases some water, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine the oil, shallot and garlic in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes. Mix in the gochugaru and allow it to bloom in the oil. Stir the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds together in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
• Strain the cucumbers and dry them with a paper towel. Return them to the medium bowl. Add the vinegar mixture and toss. Toss again with the garlic-shallot oil. Garnish with the remaining sesame seeds and the cilantro.

STEAK FRITES WITH HERB MUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Whisk the mustard and olive oil in a small bowl. Coat the steak with 2 tablespoons of the mustard mixture, then season with black pepper and set aside. Whisk the chives, tarragon and 2 tablespoons cold water into the remaining mustard mixture. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick sticks; pat dry. Whisk the egg whites, paprika, cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl; add the potatoes and toss. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Add the potatoes, letting the excess egg drip off; spread out and spray with cooking spray. Bake until golden brown, 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the steak: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large cast-iron skillet. Heat the pan over high heat until very hot, then add the steak and place another heavy skillet on top to weigh it down. Sear until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Turn off the heat and let the steak rest in the pan, 5 to 8 more minutes for medium rare. Thinly slice against the grain and serve with the fries and herb mustard.

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Peel cucumbers and cut them lengthwise. Scrape out seeds with small spoon, leaving hollow shells. Cut cucumbers crosswise into 1/4 inch strips. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame seed oil, hot sauce, salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix well. Add cucumber and toss to coat each slice. Chill before serving.