Maple-Mustard-Glazed Balsamic Steaks With Blue Cheese-Pecan Confetti

BRAND WINNER U.S. BEEF. The flat-iron cut is one of the most tender beef cuts available. If you can't find a cut called flat-iron, ask your butcher for "shoulder top blade steaks," as they are one and the same.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill: 2 hour(s)
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/3  cup  balsamic vinegar
• 1/3  cup  pure maple syrup
• 4  tablespoons  Dijon mustard, divided
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh thyme
• 2  (1-pound) Flat-Iron Steaks
• 1  tablespoon  olive oil
• 1/3  cup  chopped pecans
• 2  tablespoons  pure maple syrup
• 1  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  pepper
• 3  ounces  crumbled Blue Cheese
• Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation

1. Combine vinegar, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons mustard, and thyme in a shallow dish or large zip-top plastic freezer bag; add steaks, turning to coat. Cover or seal, and chill 2 hours, turning occasionally.

2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat; add pecans, stirring to coat. Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove pecans from pan, and spread on wax paper to cool.

3. Remove steaks from marinade, reserving marinade. Sprinkle steaks evenly with salt and pepper.

4. Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 4 to 5 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness. Keep warm.

5. Whisk together reserved marinade and remaining 2 tablespoons mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook at least 2 minutes. (Sauce should be thick and syrupy.)

6. Cut steaks into 1/2-inch-thick slices; sprinkle with pecans and blue cheese. Serve with sauce. Garnish, if desired.