Steaks & Gochujang-Soy Sauce

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the barley and cook, uncovered, 28 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Cut off and discard the root ends of the bok choy; roughly chop. Roughly chop the peanuts. In a bowl, combine the soy glaze, half the vinegar, and as much of the gochujang as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the sauce to be.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on all sides. In a medium pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook, turning occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (125ºF), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this.

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. 

While the steaks rest, heat the pan of reserved fond on medium-high until hot (if the pan seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil). Add the mushroom pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Add the chopped bok choy; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined and the vegetables are softened. Turn off the heat.

To the pot of cooked barley, add the cooked vegetables, sesame oil, remaining vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the finished barley topped with the sliced steaks, sauce, and chopped peanuts. Enjoy!