Succulent Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula Recipe

Ina Garten’s Sizzling Summer Steak & Arugula Recipe

The sizzle of a perfectly seared Ina Garten grilled steak and arugula creates a culinary symphony that dances on your palate.

Juicy, tender meat meets peppery greens in a delightful combination that screams summer dining.

Fresh ingredients bring this classic dish to life with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The recipe balances simplicity and sophistication in every single bite.

arugula sharp bite complements the rich, smoky notes of expertly grilled steak.

Salt, pepper, and a splash of good olive oil are all you need to make magic happen.

Get ready to serve a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Store Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cooked steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated steak slowly in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 250°F to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it juicy.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Cut cooled steak into thin slices and place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Salad Separation Strategy: Keep dressed arugula and dressing separate until serving to prevent wilting. Store dressing and undressed arugula in separate containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

For Meat:
  • Ribeye Steak: Rich, marbled cut perfect for grilling, choose thick cuts with visible fat streaks for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Filet Mignon: Lean and elegant option, select cuts with consistent color and minimal connective tissue for smooth texture.
For Dressing and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps seasonings stick to meat, select extra virgin for robust taste.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy complexity to dressing, choose smooth, bright-colored variety for best results.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens overall dish with fresh acidity, pick firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
  • Salt: Draws out meat's natural flavors, use kosher or sea salt for deeper mineral notes.
  • Black Pepper: Provides sharp, warming undertone, freshly ground offers most vibrant taste.
For Salad Components:
  • Arugula: Peppery green that adds sharp contrast, select crisp leaves with deep green color.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty finish, choose aged wedge for most intense flavor.

Equipment for Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

  • Charcoal or Gas Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
  • Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking the steak's internal temperature and ensuring perfect doneness.
  • Tongs: Needed to safely handle and flip steaks on the hot grill.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Small Bowl: Used for mixing the lemon juice, mustard, and olive oil dressing.
  • Large Bowl: Required for tossing the arugula with dressing.
  • Vegetable Peeler: Helps create delicate Parmesan cheese shavings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the cooked steak.
  • Sharp Knife: Necessary for slicing the steak into thick, juicy pieces.
  • Plate: Used for resting the steaks and serving the final dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps keep the steaks warm while resting.

Cooking Guide for Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

Cooking Guide for Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula
  • Grill Preparation

Set up a charcoal or gas grill to create high, even heat for perfect steak cooking.

  • Steak Seasoning

Let steaks absorb olive oil and salt and pepper at room temperature to enhance natural flavors.

  • Zesty Dressing Creation

Blend olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for a tangy companion to the rich meat.

  • Meat Grilling

Cook steaks on hot grates, allowing each side to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

  • Steak Relaxation

Allow grilled steaks to rest, letting internal juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

  • Leafy Bed Preparation

Gently coat fresh arugula with bright, tangy dressing to create a crisp foundation for the meat.

  • Elegant Presentation

Slice steaks against the grain, layer over dressed arugula, and finish with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for a restaurant-quality dish that celebrates simple, bold flavors.

Tips to Enhance Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

  • Choose ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon for the most tender and flavorful grilled steak experience.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness, adjusting cooking time for rare (120°F), medium-rare (125°F), or medium (135°F) preferences.
  • Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder mixed into the salt and pepper rub to enhance the steak's natural flavors.
  • Replace arugula with mixed spring greens, baby spinach, or watercress for a different salad profile while maintaining a fresh, peppery base.
  • Substitute Parmesan with crumbled blue cheese, aged cheddar, or goat cheese to create unique flavor combinations and add exciting texture to the dish.

Ways to Serve Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, grilled steak's intense flavors.
  • Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, rustic baguette or ciabatta to soak up the delicious dressing and meat juices.
  • Create a Balanced Plate: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or grilled zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
  • Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the steak to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Print
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Succulent Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula Recipe

Succulent Ina Garten Grilled Steak & Arugula Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s grilled steak & arugula recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with simple, elegant ingredients. Herb-marinated beef paired with peppery greens creates a quick, satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (1-inch-thick) boneless rib-eye steaks
  • 8 oz (226 g) baby arugula
  • 4 oz (113 g) chunk Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing steaks
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice (2 lemons)
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Grill Preparation: Ignite gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, ensuring optimal cooking surface temperature.
  2. Steak Seasoning: Massage steaks with extra virgin olive oil, coating generously with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow meat to reach room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until emulsified. Set aside dressing.
  4. Grilling Process: Place steaks on preheated grill grates, cooking 5 minutes per side with partially covered lid. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare doneness.
  5. Resting and Plating: Transfer grilled steaks to a clean plate, tent with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss arugula with prepared vinaigrette in a large salad bowl.
  6. Final Assembly: Slice steaks into thick portions, arranging atop dressed arugula. Garnish with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings using a vegetable peeler, sprinkle additional salt, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Meat Temperature Mastery: Let steaks sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Grill Heat Precision: Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving perfect sear and maintaining juicy steak interior without burning the exterior.
  • Resting Ritual: Always let grilled steaks rest for 10 minutes under foil, allowing internal juices to redistribute and guaranteeing a more succulent, flavorful bite.
  • Vinaigrette Versatility: Whisk dressing just before serving to preserve fresh flavor and prevent ingredient separation, ensuring a bright, cohesive taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 54 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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