Hanger Steak With Salsa Piccante Recipe

Ah, the kick-ass sauce! A grilled steak needs some kick and I love chilies. I like using Hatch chiles from New Mexico; their season is rather short but worth it. Fresno chiles also work well. I find they have a nice round flavor, medium heat and marry well with the sweet onions, balsamico, and garlic. Hanger steak is sometimes called the “butcher’s cut.” It is an earthy, meaty steak that appeals to everyone who likes meat with texture. Skirt steak is a viable substitute, but rib-eye is not (though I love rib-eyes, they can be a bit fatty). The steaks are simply rubbed with sea salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The trick is to sear the hell out them. No timidity here; let the cast-iron skillet do its duty. If it’s summer, by all means use a charcoal grill. For a wine that sucks up the heat, choose a Barbera from Piedmont.