Once No list of beef cube recipes would be complete without a recipe for garlic steak bites or garlic butter steak. It's understandable why you may think they're optional. This suggests that the use of bay leaves is not necessary for adding flavor to food. The key is letting the bay leaves sit and simmer in your dish. Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. Bay leaves are a popular spice that can be used in a variety of dishes. This meat recipe comes with instructions for making two types of sauce: creamy Dijon mustard sauce and a horseradish sauce. If needed, slip a knife between the skin and meat and carefully slice away the skin, gently pulling up on it as you go; try not to cut into the meat. Bay leaves can also be used for medicinal purposes, such as treating colds and flu. Beef tongue might look intimidating to cook, but its all about giving it the time it needs to become super tender. Taking large amounts of bay leaf along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Bay leaf is typically used to season long-cooking dishes like soups, stews, and braises, but it can also enhance the flavor of quicker-cooking dishes like risotto, pasta sauce, or even a simple pot of rice. Serve over rice or stuffed into corn tortillas for tacos, loaded into a large flour tortilla for a burrito or stuffed into bolillos for sandwiches (add a smear of refried beans to the bread first to help keep it from getting soggy). They may be a humble ingredient, but they can make a big difference in the taste of your food. Yes, you should store them in the freezer, and finally, yes, I can tell you my favorite bay leaf-forward recipe: it's this Spicy Grilled Jerk Chicken, where the chicken gets cooked on a full-on bed of smoking bay leaves. Do bay leaves tenderize meat? Todays recipe uses all these, although my fathers version uses thinly sliced green bell peppers. However, there is not enough research currently available to make a conclusive statement about the effects of bay leaves on weight loss. Once the meat is cool enough to handle, peel the skin away and discard. Whos ready for some crispy fried steak bites? As an Associate Food Editor, Bridget Hallinan primarily focuses on home cooking content for Food & Wine.com. Should you blend the bay leaf?Bay leaves are a common ingredient in many recipes, but some people believe that they can be diminished by being blended into other ingredients. Bay leaf can help in enriching hair and gently coaxing the scalp to regrow hair (3). All you need is a nice flour mixture, black pepper, smoked paprika, chopped onion, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, beef broth (or beef stock), tomato paste, and dry red wine. Bay leaves may also help to protect against cancer and heart disease. What happens if you use too many bay leaves? Whether you call them bay leaves, bay laurel, or sweet laurel, this Mediterranean herb is a common ingredient in soups, stews, or braised meats. After 2 hours, add the carrots and potatoes. Bay leaves can help bring hair back from the brink of extinction. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. We regret to inform our customers that our restaurant is closed and we are no longer taking reservations. DMCA| They are also a source of essential oils, which can add flavor to meat. If you need a substitute for beef stock, even swapping it for chicken, veggie, or mushroom stock is better than nothing. They are used to add flavor to dishes such as soup, stew, and chili. Chapple's recipe prepares the cabbage and potatoes separately from the beef. A corned beef and cabbage meal typically takes a long time to cook. Organic compounds found in bay leaves are effective for settling an upset stomach and soothe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thus it helps in improving metabolism and also your digestion. This is because the leaves contain a compound called eugenol. Should I put a bay leaf in my chicken soup? When you're done cooking the corned beef, make sure you slice against the grain of the meat. These aromatic vegetables are the same ingredients in pico de gallo onions, tomatoes, green peppers and cilantro. Bay leaves are one of the most common spices in kitchens. This garlic butter steak recipe is one of the most popular recipes to make with beef cubes. The first reason is that bay leaves add a lot of flavor to the sauce. How does a three-ingredient teriyaki sauce steak dinner made in the slow cooker sound to you? What Is The Purpose Of A Bay Leaf When Cooking? Cloves: Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor that is perfect for adding depth to dishes. Get the Recipe: Corned Beef with Pickled Cabbage and Potato Salad, Corned Beef with Pickled Cabbage and Potato Salad, This Chef Trick Is the Secret to Shredded Meat in Less Than a Minute, 15 Ways to Transform Leftovers into New Meals, Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes for Comforting Meals, Everything You Need to Know About Polenta, 9 Eggs Benedict Recipes That Are Eggcellent, 21 Recipes to Make This St. Patrick's Day, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Traditional Brown Bread, Our 20 Best Recipes for Braised Short Ribs. Swift says this is because, in addition to supporting cardiovascular health, bay leaf consumption can also help regulate and lower blood pressure., take bay leaf in large amounts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. This helps release toxins in the body and aids in the health of the kidneys. Bay leaves can be added to food during the cooking process, or removed before serving. Do bay leaves tenderize meat? Drain the broth, reserving the cooking liquid and discarding the solids. There are many different types of bay leaves available, but not all of them are suitable for cooking. Rubbing bay leaf oil on inflammed joints reduces pain. Learning the Spanish names of our childhood foods through research and from my grandmother became a quest once I started sharing recipes on my blog. Bay leaves have a slightly astringent, woodsy flavor. Yes, as long as the meat has been thawed in the refrigerator. Urease is an enzyme that, when out of balance, can lead several gastric disorders, including kidney stones. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea. When the meat is cool enough to handle, remove the skin. A. Discard the skin (see note). So dont bother. Heat a 12-inch-deep skillet or braiser on medium-high heat, and add the oil. of ingredients, you can make your own Bay Leaves Extractor from an easy to follow guide here. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and also to identify the active components. This study found that, along with other traditional medicinal herbs, bay leaf was able to reduce the amount of urease in your body. The active component of bay leaves is a polyphenol, which helps in controlling glucose levels. Heat 1 cup of sauce with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (baking soda neutralizes acidity). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One is that the leaves contain enzymes that break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender. The leaves are also used for their medicinal properties, specifically for treating ailments such as coughs and colds. They work to break down the muscle fibers in the meat, which makes it more tender. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It doesnt slice cleanly, so I trim it away and freeze it for another day. Its recommended that you remove the whole leaves or leaf pieces before eating. 3) Finally, bay leaves may also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions if applied to the skin. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |, After a long, slow simmer with traditional Mexican aromatics, beef tongue is transformed into a super tender cut of meat. This compound helps to dissolve the proteins in meat, which makes it more tender. They are slightly spicy and have a peppery taste that goes well with tomatoes. A single bay leaf goes a long way. On my cooking journey, Ive picked up culinary words by watching Spanish cooking shows where I can associate the picture of an onion, celery or pork chop with the English word as its spoken. Outdoor plants prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun. Bay leaf might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. What are beef cubes? You can also serve this savory dish with a baked potato, mashed potatoes, or even pasta (we like egg noodles with this recipe). Instructions. The truth is that there is no scientific consensus on whether or not bay leaves tenderize meat. Bay leaves do contain compounds that can enhance the flavor of dishes, but whether you can taste those compounds depends on a few factors, such as how long the leaves are cooked and how fresh they are. There are tons of ways to make beef tips and rice with gravy, but we love a recipe that uses cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, or dry gravy mix to make the succulent gravy (or onion gravy) for this dish. And finally, the purpose of a bay leaf is to prevent food from sticking to the pan. Bay leaves are a culinary herb that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Note: At this point, you can cool the tongue completely, wrap it in foil, and finish the dish the next day, if desired. What Is The Difference Between Trout and Salmon? Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and bay leave; stir to combine. Do you want a bonus beef cubes recipe and another great idea for how to cook cube steak? Add the garlic and butter to the pan and cook about 2 more minutes. 1. What's the Point of a Vinaigrette? Bay leaves are a common spice found in many foods and recipes. This beef tips recipe that we found online is also a favorite, and it doesnt require any soup or gravy mixes to make. Curry Powder: Curry powder is made up of different spices, including curry leaves (a type of curry herb), cumin, and coriander. Yes, the meat and veggies will be able to impart some flavor in the liquid, but it still won't reach its flavor potential. A la Mexicana means that the vegetables used reflect the Mexican flags green, white and red. Let us know your thoughts! If youre making homemade broth or stock, the bay leaf shines more. She writes and edits recipe content, interviews chefs for helpful tips and tricks, and works on franchises such as our cookbook roundups and taste tests. WebPour over meat, and stir until meat is coated. | Ask the Food Lab, The Long and Short Paths to Chicken Paprikash | The Food Lab, You Asked The Food Lab 164 Questions. Bay leaves can help improve digestion and help fight inflammation. Some people swear by the power of a bay leaf, insisting that adding one to a pot of soup or sauce makes all the difference in the flavor. Beef tongue used to be one of the least expensive cuts of meat when my parents were looking for ways to feed a growing family on a limited budget. How Much Bay Leaf Powder Equals Bay Leaf? Bay leaves are added to rice before it is cooked in order to give it a unique flavor. They have a unique flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes. Bay leaves can be removed from dishes before serving. When ready to use it, defrost, roughly chop and warm it in a skillet with your favorite salsa verde for tacos. Because corned beef comes from brisket, a tough cut of meat. Yes, drinking bay leaf water is good for you as it is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and other essential minerals. bay leaves are also enzymes that help break down certain proteins in beans and meat. There are a few things that we do know about bay leaves. Maybe you associate cube steak with the ubiquitous chicken fried steak, but there are so many other things you can do with cube steak. Foods That Start With I: 43 of Our Top Picks, How Long to Microwave A Potato: Cook a Baked Potato, Our 25+ BEST Simple & Tasty Cold Appetizers. Bay leaves are also a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. In fact, some people believe that the best way to cook a steak is in the air fryer because its easy and gives the meat so much flavor. You're likely to have leftover corned beef, and you have a few options for how you can use it. Beneficial in helping with joint pain from arthritis. They also help to thicken the sauce and keep it from becoming watery. To create these tiny meat masterpieces, you need cubed beef tenderloin so that the meat is full of tenderness and flavor. of ingredients. Bay leaves, also known as bay laurel, are a type of leaf that is commonly used in cooking. You can always eat it as is; however, we have some fun ways of repurposing the meat, from making a tasty corned beef hash with fried eggs to "brat reubens" on a hoagie roll. According to one study, bay leaves may not actually contribute any flavor to food. Refrigerator Thawing: Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. If youre unsure whether or not you can consume chopped bay leaves, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid them altogether. They add a subtle bitterness that keeps heavy soups and stews from being so, well, heavy. Rubbing bay leaf oil on inflammed joints reduces pain. TO COOK THE MEAT: 4-pound beef tongue large onion 1 head garlic, cut in half across the diameter large bunch cilantro 3 dried or 4 fresh bay leaves 1 However, they can be replaced with other spices or herbs. Taking bay leaf in large amounts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. She blogs at confessionsofafoodie.me, where the original version of this article was published. If youre looking to add a bit of flavor to your dish, bay leaves are a good option. Bay leaves are a common ingredient in many recipes for weight loss. Bay leaf for hair growth can be used by infusing hair oils like coconut or almond oil with bay leaf. When using bay leaves, be sure to remove them before serving. What's the Difference Between Bisque and Soup? However, some people believe that blending the bay leaves can diminish their flavor. 1 Extra virgin olive oil. They have a strong, aromatic flavor that can add depth to a meal. Bay leaves contain a compound called eugenol, which can be After all, a beef stew should be comfort food, and sometimes we want a good old down-to-earth hearty soup. He has always just called this dish tongue with tomatoes, onions and cilantro. It's the same idea as using citrus, wine, or vinegar in a marinade. Simmer a bit longer if you struggle to remove it. She can be reached at anita.arambula@sduniontribune.com. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more bouillon if needed. Bay leaves are an important ingredient in many recipes. When the meat is easily pierced with a knife, carefully transfer it to a plate; let it cool. They also wanted me to be fully prepared once I started school, putting me on even ground with my peers while soaking up my education. Heat a 12- to 15-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Bay leaves are ubiquitous in soups and stews, but some people wonder if its safe to eat a bay leaf. Check out this step-by-step video that shows you how to make delicious beef tips and gravy. Some people believe that bay leaves tenderize meat. They add flavor and a unique aroma to dishes. Finally, anytime you can use a slow cooker (crock pot) to cook a beef chunk recipe on low heat with a long cook time, you will usually have some very tender beef cubes. Home Spices What Is The Purpose Of A Bay Leaf When Cooking? Serve your Cajun steak bites with mashed potatoes or red beans and rice. My name is Tristram Ortega and I am a professional chef with a passion for cooking. WebThe answer is yes, a bay leaf can make a difference in your cooking. Bay leaves contain a compound called eugenol, which can be harmful if ingested in high doses. If using fresh leaves, you can chop them up and add them to your dish. Bay leaves may also cause gastrointestinal problems in some people. If youre curious about how to cook beef cubes tender, we have a few tips for you for how to cook beef cubes that will melt in your mouth. Do you have a pack of beef cubes and wonder if there are any easy beef chunks recipes out there? While it is possible to reduce or eliminate the presence of thujone by blending them into other ingredients, some people believe that this diminishes their overall flavor profile. This is great to know if you're looking to save some money and buy in bulk. Here are some ideas: Bay leaves are often used in chicken soup to give it a distinctive flavor. Terms of Use | If you are looking for a way to add flavor to your food, and you also want to boost your health, then you should consider using bay leaves. twice a dayIt reduces blood pressure, improve blood circulation and decreases cholesterol levels. Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. Dried bay leaves can impart a more subtle flavour and are generally left in a dish as it cooks then retrieved before serving. Cook the meat in the olive oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. In areas with hot, dry summers, some afternoon shade is ideal. What gives? WebIs it safe to can thawed frozen meat? Through this blog, I share my favorite recipes, cooking hacks, and insights into the world of professional cooking. 12 Tender Beef Cube Recipes (+Garlic Butter Steak Bites), beef cube recipes, garlic butter steak bites, Substitutes For Sesame Oil: 13 of Our Best Picks, 30+ Easy Finger Food Recipes to Feed a Crowd. However, if you do happen to eat a bay leaf, it is not likely to cause any harm. Most people associate bay leaves with Italian food. Bay leaves are a common spice found in many European dishes. Turns out, theres quite a bit to know! Which is better fresh or dried bay leaves. In addition to simmering in soups and stews, bay leaves are great for stuffing into the cavity of a chicken before roasting it, and can also be added to the liquid when cooking rice. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Dont have ripe bananas but craving banana bread? What impact can gender roles have on consumer behaviour? About us. I work at a top-rated restaurant where I create delicious dishes every day, and Im excited to share my tips and techniques with you. And in fact, the two types of bay leaves are not even directly related. Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Fresh leaves, if overused, can be overpowering in a dish and might need to be removed early during cooking. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Dried bay leaves impart a more subtle flavour and are generally left in a dish as it cooks then retrieved before serving. However, there is some debate over whether or not chopped bay leaves actually contain any harmful substances. Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. There are a lot of variables that go into whether or not bay leaves can tenderize meat. Other types of bay leaves, such as the Indian bay leaf and the California bay leaf, are not as fragrant and are not as commonly used in cooking. Bay leaves also contain a number of enzymes that aid in breaking down certain proteins in beans and meat, making them easier to digest and reducing the gas-inducing effects of beans, so definitely add bay to that bean pot! You need a Cajun seasoning to make these steak bites, and you can use your favorite pre-mixed version from the grocery store or make your own. Bay leaves also contain a number of enzymes that aid in breaking down certain proteins in Essentially, it adds another layer of flavor to a soup or stew, and the tea-like (oh-so-slightly menthol) aromas help lighten up a hearty dish, so its less likely to bog you down after a big meal. This is a question that has been asked by many people over the years. They are both sweet and savory, with floral, spicy, woodsy, and slightly bitter undertones. I'm also a big fan of healthy eating, and I love sharing tips and recipes for healthy and delicious food. Tougher cuts of meat will be more tender after being cooked with bay leaves, while softer cuts of meat will not see as much of a difference. Taste it after five minutes and you'll probably get a good hit of menthol and eucalyptus (think: Vick's VapoRub). Freshly dried herbs will remain flavorful for up to a couple of months if they're stored in a cool, dry place. Its flavor profile is bold but nuanced in a way that is difficult to replicate with any other herb or combination of herbs. Despite the fact that it is not as blatantly aggressive as some other seasonings, the bay leaf can make or destroy a dish depending on how well you use it. Follow these tips to use this herb effectively. When using bay leaves, it is important to note that they should not be eaten. Store them in the freezer and they'll last for years. If adding bay leaves to a dish that is going to be cooked for a long time, such as a stew, it is best to add them at the beginning of cooking. You need a large skillet to prepare this meat and potatoes recipe. Dijon adds tang while whole-grain mustard provides texture together, they make a great dipping sauce. Cook these ingredients in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours if you want to cook your steak on high). Add the wine, broth, water, thyme, bay leaves, and sugar. What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. Turns out, theres quite a bit to know! As for the second question, bay leaves can also be used in poultry dishes, such as chicken or turkey stuffing, and in certain types of barbecue sauce. Email your questions to AskTheFoodLab@seriouseats.com, and please include your Serious Eats user name in your email. After the potatoes are cooled, stir in the cabbage and refrigerate the mixture for one hour, stirring occasionally. If you overdo it, you could easily end up overpowering the primary flavors of your dish. The first thing that you need to know about bay leaves is that they are used to add flavor to food. There's another very important consideration when choosing fresh versus dried bay leaves. However, we would like to invite our customers to visit our review site, where they can leave feedback about their dining experience. We regret to inform our customers that our restaurant is closed and we are no longer taking reservations. The Kitchen Community is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Add meat mixture and cook, turning occasionally, until pork is lightly browned. Bay leaves are also used in Indian, Pakistani, and Italian cuisine. Bay leaves are a culinary herb, and are not meant to be consumed. Beneficial in helping with joint pain from arthritis. Swift says this is because, in addition to supporting cardiovascular health, bay leaf consumption can also help regulate and lower blood pressure. Is Cinnamon Toxic to Dogs? But does this herb really have that much of an impact? If you are using bay leaves in a marinade, you may want to pair them with beef or lamb. So, the answer to the question is that bay leaves can tenderize meat, but it depends on the type of meat that you are using. Another great way to make sure you have nice and tender beef cubes is to let them marinate. Bay leaves are a common flavoring in many recipes. Bay leaves are most commonly used in Italian, French, and Spanish cuisine. I ended up with a sauce that tasted like I'd tipped a bottle of cold medicine into it. About us. Step 5. Bay leaves are often used in cooking for their flavor and aroma. 1 lb. Required fields are marked *. Bay leaf tea can sooth your digestive track. The flavor of bay leaves is hard to pinpoint because it is so distinctive. The answer is yes, as long as the bay leaf is removed before consuming the soup. How many bay leaves to add to a recipe is up for debate, with some people recommending adding as many as 12, while others only use a few. Bay leaves are also used as a natural pesticide. Bay leaves do not soften or break down, even after being cooked for a long time. They retain a texture similar to a fish bone. That texture makes this herb a choking hazard. If you cannot find the bay leaf in your dish, warn guests to look out for it. Dont overcook bay leaves. In a bowl, combine pork, onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. They found that the aroma and flavor of food samples containing bay leaves were no different than those without bay leaves. The leaves have a hypoglycaemic effect on diabetes patients, due to the presence of a number of phytochemicals and essential oils in it. Here are the key tips for making the dish, compiled from our test kitchen. If you have been looking for ways to lose weight, drink a glass of bay leaf tea twice a day. Stir in the cilantro and the bouillon and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. The addition of bay leaves to meat converts triglycerides to monounsaturated fats, and for experimentation and confirmation: Cut the chicken in half Additionally, if you eat too many bay leaves, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. We think a recipe like this will please nearly anyone! Some people believe that bay leaves should be cooked for a long time, while others believe that they should only be cooked for a short amount of time. According to some sources, cucumber peels are supposed to ward off cockroaches because they find the smell repulsive. What are the benefits of using bay leaves in cooking? Since you've spent so much time cooking and tenderizing the beef, it would be a shame to undo all that hard work. This particular cube steak recipe is full of If youre making homemade broth or stock, the bay leaf shines more. It will pickle as it sits. Another great cube steak recipe you can make is a savory Mexican stew called carne guisada. Conversely, if bay leaves are being used in a recipe where they will not actually be eaten, then they might only need to be cooked for a short amount of time because the flavor and aroma will be enough. They can also be added to marinades for fish. I mention all of this because this recipe today is another one of my fathers signature dishes, and even though Im calling it by its Spanish name, my dad would never refer to it as this. and corn. Some people may experience allergic reactions to bay leaves. My younger sisters never learned to speak the language, and by the time I hit kindergarten, I had forgotten nearly all of it. In addition, bay leaves have been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, such as coughs and colds. Usually this does the job. Bay leaves are a common herb that many cooks use when making soups and stews or braising meats. There is some evidence to suggest that bay leaves may help to reduce the appetite and promote weight loss. Your email address will not be published. The answer is unclear. Bay leaves are often used in cooking for their flavor and aroma. You can powder dry leaves and mix it with the oil, or tear fresh leaves into the oil and keep them sealed for a few days before using. Your email address will not be published. Bay leaf has a gentle, abiotic way of integrating with your body, reducing the amount of urease in your blood. Moving in with my maternal grandmother helped, too. Many herbs are close to useless in their dried state. bay leaves are also enzymes that help break down certain proteins in beans and meat What is so special Let them simmer for longer as they would in a stewsay, an hour or soand you'll notice that the flavor and aroma will change. They are both sweet and savory, with floral, spicy, woodsy, and slightly bitter undertones. Be sure to serve yours over rice! Well, weve got you covered! Serve this tasty and comforting stew with rice, mashed potatoes, or flour tortillas. Some people believe that chopped bay leaves can be consumed, while others say that they are not safe to eat. Improves digestion Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by preventing gastric damage and promoting urination. To create this flavorful stew, you need beef chunks or cube steak chunks that are simmered in a delicious brown gravy until theyre so tender they fall apart. This beef stew recipe calls for olive oil, your favorite cut of cubed meat or cube steak, onion (or green onion), carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, all-purpose flour, beef stock (or beef broth), tomato paste, dry red wine, fresh thyme (or dried thyme), bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, chopped potato chunks, and fresh parsley leaves. Bay leaves are a common herb that many cooks use when making soups and stews or braising meats. Why? Symptoms of liver damage may include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and light-colored stools. Ultimate Picture Guide To The Different Types Of Cakes, Cook these ingredients in your slow cooker, Griddle Grill Combo: Top Picks and Buying Guide 2023, Dessert Quesadilla Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite, Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe: Quick and Delicious Morning Meal, Classic Cheese Quesadilla Recipe: Simple Steps for a Tasty Snack, Best Quesadilla Recipes: Top 10 Mouthwatering Options. Some people believe that bay leaves are better when they are fresh, while others believe that they are just as good when they are dried. Serve your skillet steak bites with rice with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a baked potato. Before heading to the deli counter, take into consideration these differences between pastrami and corned beef. Bay leaf, by its very nature, plays second fiddle to other, more prominent flavors.