"Lite & Lean Beef Broil" by Senator Larry Craig
Get ready for a mouth-watering mid-tier cut of beef bathing in soy sauce and memories of matrimony. This delightful dish was served at the wedding luncheon of Suzanne and Larry Craig all the way back in 1983. The former senator from Idaho, health nut and airport restroom enthusiast created this dish — Senator Larry Craig’s Lite & Lean Beef Broil.
Chef Larry Craig
Republican Senator from Idaho
As always, I followed the recipe word from word from the infamous stall-loving senator, no alterations:
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp instant minced onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1.5 lbs sirloin, top round or flank steak
2 tbsp sesame seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Combine marinade ingredients in nonmetal pan. Add beef and turn to coat.
I used pyrex for my nonmetal pan. Be careful flipping your beef, as backsplash is possible and in my experience, likely. Put your apron to good use.
“I have a wide stance when going to the bathroom. I positioned them…I don’t know. I don’t know at the time. I’m a fairly wide guy.”
—Larry Craig
2) Marinate beef for 24-48 hours in refrigerator.
I marinated the cut for 24 hours and found it to be appropriately soaked with flavor.
3) Broil beef to desired doneness -- do not overcook; best served medium-rare.
Depending on the thickness of your steak, broil anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. Senator Craig’s instructions did not say to sear the steak in a skillet or flip the steak in the broiler, so 20 minutes for my two-inch top round gave me the perfect medium-rare.
4) To serve, slice beef across the grain into thin slices. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
“I’m going to speak out for the citizens of my state who in the majority, think that Bill Clinton is probably even a nasty, bad, naughty boy.”
—Larry Craig
And with the addition of a little texture, this dish is complete! Your instant minced onion should be softened by this point, so don’t worry that the sesame seeds will be a “hat on a hat” in terms of slightly jagged mouthfeel ingredients. A meal fit for betrothal. It was tough and hearty, and had elements of a Chinese restaurant; something about Larry Craig’s meat was reminiscent of buffet chafing dishes. Very specific. Isn’t it wild how a scent can transport you like that?
Verdict:
Is it terrible? No. Is it exciting? No. It’s just desperately in need of some sauce. Slap a little Sweet Baby Ray’s on there and it’ll be…still just okay.
