Searching for South Dakota

As we travel through the USA, we come to the world’s greatest mountain carving, Mt. Rushmore,  in the state of South Dakota.  It took 14 years to carve and cost a mere one million dollars, though it is now deemed priceless…something I look forward to seeing one day!  South Dakota is home to the world’s largest petrified wood park and the world famous, Mashed Potato wrestling contest – I think I’ll pass on that one!  Another interesting fact we learned was that South Dakota is home to the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota tribes, which make up the Sioux Nation.

South Dakota is also home to the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States.  It shouldn’t surprise you that the first commercial timber sale on Federal forested land was authorized in South Dakota due to its large size. Last but not least…SD is home to the largest underground gold mine in the world!

Chislic:

3 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes                                                                                          
1/4 cup brown sugar                                                    

2 teaspoons garlic powder                                                  

1 teaspoon onion powder                                                    

2 tablespoons chili powder                                                    

1 tablespoon ground red pepper

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper                                                                     

1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring                                                    

3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce                                                    

black pepper to taste                                                   

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Slice the beef into bite size pieces.

Place the beef cubes into a large mixing bowl.

Season with brown sugar,

Garlic powder,

Liquid Smoke,

Chili powder,

Red pepper and cayenne pepper,

Onion powder,

Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.

Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering,

Cook the beef in batches in the hot oil until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired degree of doneness, about 3 minutes for medium.

Drain the beef cubes briefly on a paper towel-lined plate before serving with saltines.  This is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and spicy!  For a true South Dakota meal, be sure to serve with draft beer.