Spring Break Menu: Tropical Treats

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Mar 2009 08:36 AM

Just because you can't afford to jet off to the Caribbean this spring doesn't mean you have to miss out on the ravishing regional cuisine. The following tropical treats can be made in your own kitchen for less than a quarter of what you would pay for a plane ticket to the island retreat.

CARIBBEAN STEAK WITH COCONUT RICE

Ingredients:

1 flank steak (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple

Ingredients for Marinade:

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning

Ingredients for Coconut Rice:

2 cups water

1 cup uncooked brown rice

3 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted

2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup juice for marinade, discard excess juice. Reserve crushed pineapple for coconut rice.

Combine marinade ingredients and reserved pineapple juice in small bowl.

Place steak and marinade in plastic Ziploc bag, turn steak to coat well. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator overnight, turning occasionally.

For Coconut Rice: Combine water and rice in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 35 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender.

Remove from heat. Stir in reserved pineapple, coconut, almonds and cilantro. Season with salt, as desired.

For steak: Remove steak from marinade, discard marinade. Place steak on medium-hot grill and cook uncovered 17 to 21 minutes, turning occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.

Cut steak into thin slices. Serve with rice.

Makes 6 servings.

TROPIC BURGERS WITH MANGO SALSA

Ingredients for Burgers:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning

Salt

Ingredients for Mango Salsa:

1 large mango, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped green onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions:

Combine ground beef and jerk seasoning in large bowl, mix thoroughly. Shape into four patties.

Place patties on medium-hot grill and cook covered, 13-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until meat thermometer registers 160 degrees.

Combine salsa ingredients in medium bowl, mixing lightly.

Top each burger with salsa before serving.

Related Articles:

Spring Break Menu--Mexican Fiesta

More Tropical Treats: Pineapple Quick Bread

Hawaiian Treats

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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