Straccetti con Rucola e Grana (Seared Beef and Rocket Salad)
Why this recipe works
- Fast cooking: Thin beef strips cook in well under two minutes, making the dish practical for a quick meal.
- Warm and fresh contrast: Hot seared beef softens the rocket slightly while keeping enough freshness and bite.
- Clean balance: Lemon juice cuts through the beef and cheese, keeping the salad bright rather than heavy.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve immediately: The dish is at its best while the beef is still warm and the rocket has not wilted too much.
- Prep first: Dress and plate the rocket before searing the beef, as the cooking step is very quick.
Texture tips
- Keep the beef juicy: Pat the beef dry and sear it briefly over high heat so it browns quickly without drying out.
- Avoid wet leaves: Use only enough dressing to lightly coat the rocket; excess dressing will make the salad heavy.
Ingredient notes
- Choose tender beef: Sirloin works well because it stays tender during a very short, hot sear.
- Use good olive oil: Because the dressing is simple, a fresh-tasting extra-virgin olive oil has a noticeable impact.
- Cheese swaps: Parmesan gives a sharper finish than Grana Padano, so use a little less if you prefer a softer flavour.
Common mistakes
- Do not crowd the pan: If the beef overlaps too much, it will steam instead of sear; cook it in quick batches if needed.
- Watch the sear: The beef only needs a short time in the pan unless you specifically want it cooked through.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the rocket into a mixing bowl. Finely zest the lemon, then squeeze the juice; whisk the juice with 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil and a good grind of black pepper. Toss the rocket with just enough dressing to lightly coat it, then divide between two plates.
- Pat the beef dry, then slice it into thin strips. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 60 to 90 seconds, tossing once or twice, until browned but still pink in the centre.
- Immediately pile the warm beef over the dressed rocket. Shave over the Grana Padano cheese and finish with a pinch of lemon zest. Serve straight away while the beef is still warm.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best sear, make sure the pan is properly hot and do not overcrowd it; if needed, sear the beef in two quick batches.
- Keep the beef moving only after it has had a moment to colour, so it browns rather than stews.
- If serving anyone who should avoid undercooked meat, sear the strips for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until cooked through.
Substitutions
- Replace Beef sirloin steak with Beef ribeye for a richer result.
- Replace Grana Padano cheese with Parmesan for a slightly sharper finish.
- Replace Lemon with Lime for a more aromatic, sharper citrus dressing.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, store the beef and rocket separately in the fridge and eat within 24 hours; reheat the beef briefly in a hot frying pan and dress fresh rocket just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 plates
- Total time: 12min (12min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Milk
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