Summer in Oregon is one of our favorite times of year. The pastures are green, the grill's fired up most evenings, and the farmers markets are overflowing with produce that was still in the ground or on the vine that morning.
One of the best things about buying local is that everything comes together at the same time. Fresh produce and locally raised beef weren't meant to compete, they were meant to be served together.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to pair what's in season with Kauboi Ranch's grass-fed and finished beef.
Sweet Corn + Ribeye
Nothing says summer quite like corn picked that morning.
The marbling and bold flavor of a grilled ribeye pair naturally with buttered corn on the cob, a little sea salt, and cracked pepper. Add a simple green salad and you've got a meal that doesn't need much else.
Billy's Tip: Grill the corn right alongside your steak. A little char brings out its natural sweetness.
Heirloom Tomatoes + Flat Iron Steak
By late July, Oregon tomatoes are finally showing off. Slice them thick, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh basil, and serve alongside a grilled Flat Iron Steak, the bright acidity of the tomatoes balances the rich flavor of grass-fed beef beautifully.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy them this time of year is a simple marinated tomato salad that comes together in a few minutes while the steak rests.
Marinated Summer Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced or wedged
- ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Directions Combine the tomatoes, onion, and parsley in a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and let sit for 20–30 minutes so the flavors come together.
Serve alongside a grilled Flat Iron Steak with warm crusty bread to soak up the tomato juices.
Simple. Fresh. Summer on a plate. It's the kind of meal that reminds us the best ingredients don't need much, just quality beef, ripe produce, and good company around the table.
Zucchini & Summer Squash + Tri-Tip
Zucchini seems to multiply overnight this time of year, which is just fine by us, it's one of the easiest vegetables to throw on the grill. Brush with olive oil, season simply, and grill until lightly charred. Serve alongside sliced Tri-Tip for a weeknight dinner that still feels like it celebrates the season.
Peaches + Burgers
Fresh Oregon peaches might not be the first thing you think of for burgers, but don't overlook them. Grilled peaches add just enough sweetness to balance smoky beef.
Try topping a Kauboi Ranch burger with:
- Grilled peaches
- Goat cheese
- Arugula
- Balsamic glaze
It's summer on a bun.
Walla Walla Sweet Onions + New York Strip
Sweet onions are one of summer's simplest pleasures. Slice them thick and grill until caramelized, then serve with a New York Strip and roasted potatoes for a meal that's hearty without feeling heavy.
Fresh Herbs + Sirloin
Parsley. Basil. Rosemary. Thyme. This time of year, fresh herbs are everywhere, in the garden, at the market, on the counter waiting to be used. Mix them into a simple chimichurri and spoon it generously over a grilled sirloin for a meal packed with summer flavor.
Build Your Plate at the Farmers Market
One of our favorite summer traditions is walking through the farmers market and letting the produce decide what's for dinner. Maybe it's sweet corn. Maybe it's colorful peppers. Maybe it's peaches that smell like sunshine before you even reach the stand.
Start with what's freshest, then choose the cut of beef that fits the meal. Simple ingredients don't need complicated recipes, they just need to be good. That's one of the reasons we love being part of our local food community.
Why Local Ingredients Taste Better Together
Buying from local ranchers and farmers isn't just about supporting small businesses. It's about eating food at its peak, produce harvested this week, beef raised with care, meals shared around the table with the people who matter most.
There's something to knowing where your food comes from, and who raised it. At Kauboi Ranch, that's what we've been doing for generations.
Bring the Best of Oregon to Your Table
Whether you're grilling burgers for the neighborhood, cooking steaks for a family dinner, or planning a weekend barbecue, summer is the season Oregon shows up for the table. Pair fresh produce with grass-fed and finished beef raised right here at home, keep the recipes simple, and let good ingredients do the work.
