photo: foodnetwork.co.uk

Serves 6

We get a lot of personal and email requests for quick week night meals. This is an easy meat recipe that is a crowd pleaser. The spiced drizzle can be made days in advance and used on chicken, potatoes, or on any vegetable that needs an extra zing.

For the drizzle:
8 tablespoons unsalted margarine (1 stick), at room temperature
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the steaks:
6 (6 ounces each) minute steaks, or skirt steaks
1 tablespoon olive oil
kosher salt and pepper to taste

For the drizzle: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix margarine in a bowl until it is softened and very spreadable. Add all other ingredients, and mix until thoroughly combined. Place spiced margarine in the middle of a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a log, wrap it up, and twist the ends of the plastic to close. Place in the refrigerator until firm, at least 30 minutes and up to one week.

For the steaks: Pat steaks dry with paper towels, coat with olive oil, and set aside to come to room temperature, at least 5 minutes. Heat a large skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 3 minutes. Place steaks in pan and cook, undisturbed so they can get well-browned, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove steaks to rest, do not cut them or the juices will run out and the steaks will get dry. Slice the spiced margarine into disks, about ¼ inch thick. Place the disks on top of each piece of steak and allow it to melt on top of the meat. Serve.