Wholesome and delicious, Tenderloin steak is iron-rich plus since it’s super tender, it’s perfectly suited for everyone at the table. This Steak with Grilled Vegetables and Pesto Quinoa is from our family-friendly meals for baby series.
Steak with Grilled Vegetables and Pesto Quinoa
Ingredients
Pesto Quinoa:
- 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp prepared pesto
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (made from 3/4 cup uncooked)
Steak and Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- 1 red or orange sweet pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced on a diagonal
- 1/2 small eggplant, sliced
- 4 beef tenderloin grilling steaks strip loin medallions, about 3/4-inch thick (4 oz/125 g each)
- 3/4 tsp salt, divided
- 3/4 tsp pepper, divided
Instructions
- Creamy Pesto Quinoa: Whisk yogurt with pesto; drizzle over cooked quinoa and toss to coat. Set aside. (Can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.)
- Steak and Vegetables: In small bowl whisk garlic, vinegar, orange zest and juice, Dijon mustard and maple syrup. Slowly whisk in oil and use 1/3 of a cup of this dressing to toss with the veggies. Arrange vegetables in an even layer in a grill basket. Set aside remaining dressing.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat; grease the grates well. Grill veggies in closed barbecue, tossing occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender-crisp. Transfer to a platter and season with 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper; tent with foil.
- Meanwhile, season steaks with remaining salt and pepper; brush with the reserved dressing and set aside.
- Grill steak in closed barbecue, turning at least twice, for 8 to 10 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted sideways into the steak reads 145ºF (63ºC) for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve steaks with quinoa and vegetables.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt
Basic Guidelines:
- Prepare foods without adding salt
- Cook beef to 160ºF (71ºC)
- Exclude dairy ingredients until baby is 9 months of age
- Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm
Infant Mix: Place cooked beef, quinoa and vegetables in a blender or food processor. If needed, add breastmilk or formula for easier blending and process until smooth.
Baby Chunky Mash: Place beef and vegetables in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Stir beef and vegetable mixture with quinoa and a bit of yogurt and orange juice. Add water, formula or breastmilk to thin, as needed.
Toddler Finger Foods: Serve sliced steak and cooked vegetables as finger food. Serve quinoa with a spoon and oranges as segments if you like.
