My search for bold Southwest flavors has brought me to trying various meats other then beef.  Buffalo is a great substitute for beef, is lower in calories and cholesterol, and has great flavor.  Buffalo is also becoming wildly available in supermarkets and is often around the same price as beef.  In fact when you think about it, what could be more American then Buffalo?

            Yesterday, the grocery had a pretty good deal on Buffalo Top Sirloin, so I decided to give it a go.  Grill the Buffalo over some pecan wood for a nice mild smoky flavor. If you like a steak with a bold southwestern flavor, I suggest using the rub that they use at the Reata Steakhouse in Ft. Worth.  The Reata is known for their great steaks and is a champion of Texas cuisine.  Here is the recipe:

4 tablespoons of kosher salt

3 tablespoons of chile powder

2 tablespoons of dried granulated garlic

2 tablespoons of sugar

2 tablespoons of cumin

2 tablespoons of coarsely ground black pepper

1 tablespoon of ground thyme

This recipe makes quite a bit of rub, so make sure you have a sealable container that you can store it in for future grilling.  It will definitely give your steaks a bold flavor of the southwest. 

For an added touch to your steak, try making a flavored butter.  Remove a stick of unsalted butter from the refrigerator and let it sit out for 30 minutes until it is soft enough to work with.  Dice up a jalapeno and some cilantro. Many then use a food processor, but I found if you are making a small amount you can mash the jalapeno and cilantro into the butter with a fork.  Add salt and pepper to the butter and work it in.  Once you have mixed the ingredients well with the butter, place the butter back in the fridge to firm back up.  Once your steak comes off the grill, cut a slice of the flavored butter and add to the top of your steak.  This is a technique that many steakhouses use to add an extra layer of flavor to the steak. The jalapeno and cilantro in the butter will add an additional touch of the southwest.  Ring the dinner bell, and the cowpokes will be begging you for more!