Quote (Creations @ Jul 23 2014 07:30am)
I currently work in a Michelin star awarded, fine dining steakhouse as a cook. Most of my nights are spent behind a stove, grill, or back in our support kitchen for 12+ hours a day. I love what I do, and I love being able to create things, and see them through from start to finish. I am working towards becoming a certified Sous Chef, so in my spare time at work, or at home, I am constantly trying out new ideas, and working to get better. I thought that I would post my creations when time permits, and give the general recipes just in case anyone liked what they saw.
My view towards food is that a lot of times we over-complicate things, and make food something that is unapproachable for the novice cook. Unlike many chefs, I have never been to culinary school, nor do I intend to. I love figuring things out on my own, and many time, the food makes me look much better than I truly am. I try to cook simply, and let the ingredients do the talking.
I hope you all enjoy.
Today my chef asked me to create a simple appetizer. So here is what I came up with.
http://i.imgur.com/uxQ6HWX.jpg
This is a chili-rubbed, grilled pork loin, drizzled with a jalapeno/cilantro oil. It was accompanied with fresh blue corn tortillas.
Here's how it's made.
Pork loin:
Center cut, whole pork loin (I cut them about 1/4 inch thick since it was an appetizer. You could do this with chicken or steak also)
Chili powder
Granulated Garlic
Kosher Salt
White pepper (you can use black pepper. they use white pepper in fine dining restaurants simply for presentation)
Olive oil
Lightly drizzle the meat with olive oil, and rub with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili powder. Cook it on a very hot grill until its tender to the touch. Under cook it just a bit to account for carry-over cooking while it's resting.
Jalapeno/cilantro oil:
1 bunch of Cilantro
1 large Jalapeno (you could use a Serano if you want it hotter)
2-3 Green onions
4-5 Garlic cloves
1/4 cup water
Kosher salt
Roughly chop the cilantro, jalapeno, and green onions. Blend everything but the water in a food processor until it's almost a puree. Be careful not to blend it too much, because it can easily become frothy and just not good. Put the mixture through a strainer so that you only have the liquid remaining. Slowly wisc in the olive oil until it's incorporated well. Add salt to taste, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Stir it again before serving, because the water and oil will separate a bit while it sits.
Hope you enjoy. :)yes :)