Clean Caveman Steak

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The good news is that I got a new job! After being made redundant and unemployed for six months, I’m once again being useful as a Scrum Master and agile coach to a large, multi-national organisation. It’s also meant that the blog has taken a bit of a back seat whilst I settle into the new role and get to know the teams I am and will be working with. So as a final blog post for the year, we return to one of my favourite meals, steak. And a new technique called the clean caveman for making those amazing reverse steaks ribeyes even better …

The “caveman” steak method involves placing meat directly onto hot coals. I loved the crisp, seared crust results but didn’t care for the ash. So what happens if we get the steaks very close to the coals without actually touching? This is what I tried … the clean caveman steak. And it’s now our go-to steak cooking method.

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Peach Smoked and Glazed St. Louis Ribs

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Earlier in the year, I made apricot preserve pork breast ribs, smoked over orange wood chunks. A reader suggested a similar recipe with peach preserve and smoking chunks. Sounded like a good idea, and the reader, very generously, sent me some peach wood chunks from the USA. He was bang on the money, the peach smoked and glazed St. Louis ribs were amazing!

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Tomapork Steaks

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I’ve had tomahawk steak in the past, the classic cut of bone-on beef resembling the weapon of the American Indian people. But tomapork steaks? That was a new one on me, and came into the “gotta try this” category. Slow roasted and served with buttery potatoes and green cabbage, this make for a fantastic meal with an impressive centrepiece.

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Braised Pig Cheeks

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With the cold winter nights once again upon us, it’s time to focus on some warm, hearty meals to provide sustenance to both body and soul. We kick off with delicious braised pig cheeks served with a rich red wine sauce. This makes use of a tasty, low-cost and often overlooked cut of meat to deliver a fabulous meal for all the family.

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Pork Riblets with Chipotle Sauce

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Another one of those “that’s a new one on me” blog posts. Pork riblets (also called pork shoulder ribs) are a small, meaty rack of unevenly cut pork ribs, a perfect size for a single serving. They are incredibly tasty, and normally great value. Cooked low and slow, with a spicy, warm basting sauce made by my wife, we present some delicious pork riblets with chipotle sauce.

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Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork

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Along with brisket and ribs, pulled pork is a classic “rite of passage” meal every BBQ owner (including me) aspires to create. And, eventually, excel at. It takes time and patience, but done right the reward is some of the most amazing pork I’ve tasted.

Find out how to make some great pulled pork with this simple recipe.

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Thit Heo Nuong Xa – Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork

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Traditionally cooked over hot coals as street food on the hectic byways of cities such as Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnamese lemongrass pork (or thit heo nuong xa) is one of the easiest and tastiest classic Vietnamese recipes to replicate in your own home kitchen.  It’s a great way to experience some authentic, flavoursome food of this exotic country.

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Sweet Thai Chili and Turmeric Rice

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This side dish was the result of trying something with kale and it backfiring rather spectacularly. I had planned a rice side to go with an aromatic Vietnamese pork dish, thinking that dehydrated kale would make a good rice garnish. I was wrong … really, really wrong.  So instead, I threw in some sweet Thai chili and turmeric … which worked together exceptionally well!

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Huli-Huli Chicken

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Another new discovery, this time from Hawaii, Huli-Huli chicken is a delicious alternative to your everyday, classic roast chicken dish. Cooked with a simple spice rub and glazed with a sweet, aromatic sauce, it makes a tasty talking-point for your dinner guests.

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Duck Breast with Plum and Tamarind Sauce

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To celebrate a fantastic holiday in the USA (which is also why I didn’t post much in September), I wanted to cook something a bit different to what we’d enjoyed in the States. In a “root around the pantry and find what’s available” moment, along with inspiration from fashion guru Gok Wan, some delicious duck breast with plum and tamarind sauce was served …

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Smokin Yard’s BBQ, Idaho Springs

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During our last day of holiday in September, we headed west of Denver in search of ghost towns. The first stop was Nevadaville, which had some interesting if somewhat derelict buildings. From there, the journey took us through the serene mountain landscapes to Idaho Springs, which has some more intact buildings from the bygone age of prospecting.

And it also happens to have one of the best BBQ places I’ve eaten at … Smokin Yard’s BBQ.

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Bánh Xèo – Savoury Vietnamese Crêpes

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Simple to make, and with a with a wide variety of fillings, bánh xèo is a quick, easy and incredibly tasty Vietnamese meal to enjoy at any time of day. These savoury Vietnamese  crêpes are perfect for sharing as a family or with friends, where everyone can choose their favourite flavours and fillings. And they make a delicious breakfast to start the day.

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