Do This, Not That: Steak Panzanella

Four tips for making the perfect Tuscan bread and tomato salad.

The Kitchen hosts share their best culinary tips to make a Steak Panzanella, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

The Kitchen hosts share their best culinary tips to make a Steak Panzanella, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

Our first tip is to use store-bought Texas toast and grill it, don't bake it!

You may have missed it, but instructions for grilling are right there on the box. Grilling garlic bread will give the dish extra smoky flavor. (You can use this technique for homemade garlic bread too.) Like we say with any grilled or toasted bread, just be sure to keep an eye on it! The butter and garlic make it even more susceptible to burning. Not making panzanella? Cooking the bread this way makes for great croutons for a regular salad, too.

Our second tip is: Don't slice the steak, cut it into cubes!

Cutting the steak into uniform cubes ensures each bite of salad has the perfect combination of ingredients.

Tip number three: Salt your tomatoes, don't just chop them!

Salting chopped tomatoes seasons them and pulls out their juices. And whatever you do, don't get rid of that juice that collects at the bottom. It's full of flavor and already seasoned. You can use it to make a delicious vinaigrette. You can also do this when making pasta; the collected juice adds flavor to any pasta sauce. (Just be sure to taste for seasoning before adding additional sauce.) This technique is especially great for tomatoes that aren't perfectly ripe, as it gives them a flavor boost.

Final tip: Tear basil, don't cut it with a knife!

Tearing the basil prevents it from bruising and turning black. Some even say that tearing makes its flavor more pronounced. You will end up with larger, more rustic pieces, which really do provide a stronger basil flavor in every bite.

Try all four of these techniques to make our flavor-packed Steak Panzanella recipe.

Next Up

Slow Cooker Hacks

Your trusty slow cooker is brilliant for so much more than just soups and stews. Here are some favorite tricks from the crew at The Kitchen.

Halloween: Party Food Crafts

Throw a scary-good Halloween party with these frightfully easy and delicious party food crafts that are sure to impress your guests!

Piece of Cake "Lazy Brunch" Party

New Year's Eve is a late night for many people, but that doesn't mean you can't entertain on New Year's Day. The Kitchen has a few super simple ideas that make for a fun brunch with minimal effort--you can sleep in and still be a great host!

3 Ways to Use Frozen Ravioli

Learn The Kitchen co-hosts' three ideas for putting frozen ravioli to work.

Save the Seeds After Carving Your Pumpkin — Here's What to Do with Them

Learn three new ways to flavor this fall-favorite snack.

If You Like This, Try This

If your mom usually likes receiving gifts of candy, wine or body products, we have easy and creative ways to up your gift-giving game and make her super happy this Mother's Day.

If You Like This, Try This!

New year, new brunch flavors.

If You Like This, Try This!

Sometimes, nutrient-packed foods can become a little boring. The Kitchen has a few great swaps that can perk up a dull plate. Here are 3 of our favorite healthy options.

If You Like This, Try This!

Father's Day comes with the age-old question, "What do I get for Dad?" The Kitchen is here to help you with a few gift ideas based on what your pop already likes. We put together a few of our favorite things which are sure to put a smile on dad's face this Father's Day.

Do This, Not That: Quesadilla Edition

Three new and improved techniques for making one great snack.

What's New

Latest Stories