Barbecue rib eye steak with watercress salsa verde

Steak is best when cooked on the BBQ; no frying pan can compare to the smell of the smoke, the sound of spit and sizzle as fat drips onto hot coals. As the steak hits the bars of the grill and instantly sears, the aroma of caramelising meat begins to work its magic on the appetite.

Rib-eye is one of the best cuts for cooking in this way. It has plenty of fat, which will melt as the steak cooks, and more fat equates to more flavour. The best way to cook a steak is firstly to ensure the barbecue grill is as hot as possible, so start cooking when flames have died down and coals are covered in a layer of grey-white ash. The meat must be seasoned highly, as this helps to create a really savoury crust on the outside, so don’t be shy with that step. Onto the BBQ with the steak, and then it’s all about frequent flipping, which again, will help build up the desired layer of flavour. Make sure to rest the steak well, too, before slicing.

Salsa verde is a perfect accompanying sauce because it has such punch. Capers, herbs, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic … it’s a powerful boost to any grilled meats, fish, or poultry. This version uses watercress, which has a lovely iron-rich flavour.