Sear

The simple, delicious and versatile ginger sauce would also be terrific with shrimp. Look for rice vinegar in the Asian foods section of the supermarket. Serve the scallops with crusty bread or rice.

At Emeril's, in New Orleans, Emeril Lagasse prefers sirloin steaks for this.

You can start preparing these one day ahead. What to drink: A svelte red Burgundy from the Côte de Nuits or a Pinot Noir from Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Mexican food is usually high in calories; this lean dish is authentic but light.

Buy steaks that are at least 1 1/4 inches thick; that way, they can be seared without getting overdone. The Mediterranean-flavored butter adds a great taste accent. Also offer mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, and drink a Burgundy or Pinot Noir.

Here's a fast and flavorful way to serve this lean cut of beef.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serving the sauce at room temperature helps bring out the taste of the caviar.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was inspired by one from Odessa Piper, chef-owner of L'Etoile restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin.

The spice rub that we have used in this recipe works equally well with other steaks such as sirloin.

Serve with: Baked potatoes and sautéed zucchini. Dessert: Dulce de leche ice cream with toasted almonds.

Add french fries, glazed carrots, and a salad of romaine wedges with blue cheese dressing. End with cheesecake and raspberries.