Santa Maria Steaks

     Prep Time: 15 Min. 
     Cook Time: 1 hr. 
     Servings: 2-4 People 
     Difficulty: Hard 

INGREDIENTS:

Open grates / raised grill grate

• 2 Santa Maria-style beef steaks, about 1.5 inches thick
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cast iron griddle

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small lemon, cut into wedges

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pat the steaks dry. Rub with neutral oil, then season all over with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Build a live fire so there is steady heat in the grill, with some visible flame directly under the area where the raised grate will hold the steaks.
4. Place the steaks on the elevated grill grate and cook Santa Maria style over live heat, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until nicely charred outside and cooked to your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about an hour total depending on thickness and fire strength.
5. At the same time, place the asparagus on the cast iron griddle. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly blistered and just tender.
6. Move the steaks off the heat and rest 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Finish the asparagus with a squeeze of lemon.
8. Slice the steaks and serve with the asparagus alongside.