Tender Pepper-Rubbed Strip Steaks with Grilled Vegetable Trio

A peppery rub gives juicy Strip Steaks just the right amount of kick. Serve the steaks with grilled potatoes, onions and asparagus for a full meal.

Ingredients

• 2 beef Strip Steaks Boneless, cut 1 inch thick (about 10 ounces each)
• 1 pound baby red-skinned potatoes, cut in half
• 3-1/2 ounces fresh pearl onions, unpeeled, cut in half
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground mixed peppercorns (black, white, green and pink)

Instructions

1. Place potatoes in microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Let stand 5 minutes to cool slightly. Thread potato halves onto 10 to 12-inch metal skewers. Thread onion halves onto separate metal skewers.

2. Combine Rub ingredients; reserve 2 teaspoons for garnish. Press remaining herb mixture evenly onto beef steaks.

3. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange potatoes, onions and asparagus around steaks. Grill steaks, covered, 11 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill,  11 to 15 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill potatoes and onions 5 to 10 minutes (gas grill times remain the same) or until golden brown and tender; grill asparagus 6 to 10 minutes (covered, 8 to 12 minutes on gas grill) or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.

   Cook's Tip: To make asparagus spears easier to turn on the grill, thread them ladder-style onto two 10 to 12-inch metal skewers. Insert a skewer about 1 inch from each end of spear, leaving small space between spears. Use tongs to turn entire asparagus "ladder" for even cooking.

4. Remove potatoes and onions from skewers; peel onions. Combine potatoes, onions, lemon juice, and oil in large bowl. Toss to coat. Season with salt, as desired.

5. Carve steaks into slices. Season with salt, as desired; sprinkle with reserved herb mixture. Serve steaks with grilled vegetables.

• Test Kitchen Tips Turn steaks with tongs. Avoid using a fork, which will pierce the beef and result in the loss of flavorful juices.