Chili Rubbed Steak with Avocado Crema

Ingredients Avocado Crema

  • 1 ripe California Avocado
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Ingredients Chili Rubbed Steak

  • 2 steaks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions Avocado Crema

  1. Add the avocado, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and chipotle powder to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the cream and blend again until well combined. Set aside.

Directions Chili Rubbed Steaks

  1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne.
  2. Pat the steaks dry and season both sides liberally with the spice mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat (cast iron is not a requirement but it does work best!). Add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and do not touch for 2 minutes, until nicely browned.
  4. Flip the steaks and let cook undisturbed for another 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, flipping as necessary, until cooked to your liking. I found this to be another 2 minutes for medium rare (125F on an instant read thermometer).
  5. Remove the steaks to a platter and top with butter. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Slice steak thinly against the grain. Top with the Avocado Cilantro Crema.