Sear

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Union Square Cafe guests are constantly challenging us to serve salmon in new and different guises, and here's one of the most popular ones we've done to date. Salmon is rich and meaty enough to stand up to the assertive chili rub; the trick to this dish is to cook the salmon gently enough to prevent the spices from burning. At the restaurant, we use New Mexico chili powder, which we prize for its fruity, smoky aroma and mild heat level. Buy it if you see it.

This is lovely paired with Champagne.

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

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

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can also make these with chicken, ham or roast pork.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

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.

To save even more time, buy the peppercorn medley packaged in a pepper grinder in the spice section of the supermarket. Serve with: Curried rice and sautéed snow peas.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.