There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking and savoring perfectly prepared meat dishes. Whether it’s the sizzle of a steak on a hot grill, the tender pull of slow-cooked pork, or the juicy bite of roasted chicken, meat has a way of making meals memorable. Here are three recipes for meat dishes that I can’t stop preparing. Each one is a hit in its own right and brings out the best flavors in the meat.
1. Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
- Preparation: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Steaks: Preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the steaks with olive oil and place them on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your preferred doneness.
- Garlic Herb Butter: While the steaks are grilling, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well.
- Finish and Serve: Once the steaks are done, let them rest for about 5 minutes. Top each steak with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter before serving. The butter will melt, creating a delicious, aromatic sauce that complements the juicy steak.
2. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- 4-pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Slow Cooking: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and honey. Pour this mixture over the pork.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices. Serve on buns with coleslaw, or as desired.
3. Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare for Roasting: Add minced garlic to the skillet, scattering it around the chicken. Arrange lemon slices over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, if using. Sprinkle rosemary and thyme over the chicken.
- Roast: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These recipes are not just about the ingredients and techniques; they’re about the love and joy that goes into preparing them. Whether you’re grilling, slow-cooking, or roasting, these meat dishes will bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!
