Stout glazed steak and onion skewers are a bold and hearty dish fit for a Dwarven summer feast deep within the Misty Mountains.
Summer IN MIDDLE EARTH
Under the warm golden sun of summer, as the days grow long and the earth teems with new growth, we imagine what foods would fill the tables of JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. As the gardens begin to offer up their treasures, all the races of Middle Earth would celebrate the season of abundance. From lush gardens and flowering orchards, what exquisite dishes would grace the elegant tables of the Elven kingdoms or the great halls of the Dwarven kings? As the fields yield their golden crops and the hedgerows offer up their treasures, we can wonder at what foods would be enjoyed from the far cities of men to the quiet hills of the Shire. Let us explore together some of the culinary delights from different lands for a Summer Feast in Middle Earth.
In The Misty Mountains
Deep in their glittering caverns, the Dwarves of the Misty Mountains gather for a summer feast. Roaring fires warm the cool caves and the aroma of roasting meat fills the air. Hearty pieces of beef are marinated in a dark stout ale and threaded onto skewers with slices of onion. Charred over an open flame, the skewers are finished with a sweet and sticky stout glaze. Forged by fire and steeped in malted beer, these steak and onion skewers are sure to satisfy the hunger of even the surliest of dwarves.
Ingredients
Steak: I recommend using sirloin steak for this recipe. It is an economical cut of beef, easy to source, and remains tender after marinating and grilling. You could substitute with a different steak such as skirt or strip loin if you prefer.
Stout: This dark brown ale has a rich flavour and a velvety mouthfeel. Here I use Guinness, a popular Irish brand of stout. Feel free to use your favourite stout instead.
Red onion: The sharp bite of onion balances the sweetness of the stout glaze. I like using red onion for grilling, however you could use a yellow onion if you prefer.
How to Make Stout Glazed Steak and Onion Skewers
Marinate the steak
Cut the steak into 1 1/2″ cubes and transfer to a large ziplock bag. Peel and cut the red onion in half. Cut each half into three wedges. Pull the outer layers from each wedge and set aside for later. Thinly slice the inner core pieces and add to the ziplock bag. Lightly crush 2 garlic cloves with a knife and add to the ziplock bag along with half of the thyme sprigs.
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp malt vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Whisk together and then slowly add one can of stout. Pour the marinade over the steak and seal the bag. Let the steak marinate for 2 to 4 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 1 hour before using.
Make the glaze
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining can of stout along with the remaining 4 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp malt vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Lightly crush the remaining garlic clove with a large knife and add to the saucepan along with the remaining thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
In a small cup, combine the cornstarch and 2 tsp water to make a slurry. Remove the garlic clove and thyme sprigs from the saucepan. Whisk the slurry into the glaze, bringing the mixture back up to a boil to thicken. Remove from the heat.
Prepare the skewers
Cut the reserved onion wedges in half if the pieces are large and separate the layers. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat the pieces dry with paper towel. Thread a steak cube onto one of the skewers followed by two onion pieces. Repeat 3 or 4 times to fill up the skewer, beginning and ending with the steak. Repeat until all the steak and onion is used. Drizzle the skewers with a little olive oil, rubbing to coat the pieces.
Grill the skewers
Preheat the grill to about 400°F. Spray the grill with non-stick spray. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the skewers and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. When the skewers are almost done, brush the top side with some of the glaze and cook for another minute. Flip the skewers and brush the other side with some of the glaze and cook for another minute until the steak is done to your liking. Remove from the heat.
Serve the Stout Glazed Steak and Onion Skewers
Brush the skewers with more of the glaze and arrange on a platter to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the remaining stout glaze on the side. Enjoy!
More Summer Recipes from Middle Earth
- In the Shire – Herb Baked Trout with New Potatoes
- In Gondor – Cheese and Herb Stuffed Flatbread
- In Mordor – Sweet and Spicy Oven Baked Ribs
- In Rohan – Barley, Kale and Blueberry Salad
- In Rivendell – Herbed White Bean Crostini
