taking my own advice: chili rubbed steak tacos

earlier this week, i gave all of our male readers healthy eating advice and suggested some recipes to try. i ended up trying one of them last night but, of course, put my own spin on it. the flavor combination was absolutely perfect. the smokiness from the steak rub paired perfectly with a cool, yet spicy avocado salsa i whipped up.

ingredients:

2 tablespoons chili powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pinches cayenne pepper

s&p

evoo

1 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
small whole wheat tortillas
juice of half a lime
1 ripe avocado, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 can black beans

directions:

heat small drizzle of evoo, 1 garlic clove and rice in saucepan over medium heat. let rice get toasty for about 5 minutes. add chicken stock and let come to boil. cover, turn heat down to simmer and cook for 30 to 40 minutes (depending on what directions on package say). stir in black beans and s&p when rice has finished cooking. if you have cilantro - throw that in too.

meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together chili powder, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks. preheat grill pan to medium high and cook steaks for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, turning once. remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. cut into thin slices.

combine avocado, tomato, remaining garlic clove, onion, jalapeno, lime juice and s&p in serving bowl. lightly mash together until it resembles guacamole, but you should still see chunks of avocado.

to serve, warm tortillas for about 30 seconds in microwave. top with rice and beans, steak, avocado salsa and then sprinkle of cheddar cheese. you can add any toppings you like - cheese, sour cream, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes - anything that suites your fancy. olé!