Simple ways to add some zing

I've tried these ideas out over the past several months. All are super simple but really spice up things.

A chimichurri (dipping sauce) for steak

I wanted to provide something interesting, deeply flavorful and spicy for guests. And it had to be quick. This worked like a champ.

Chopped olives (kalamata, green, or whatever you have)
Chopped jalapenos en escabeche (pickled jalapenos w/ onions, carrots)
Extra virgin olive oil as desired

Mix.

I used roughly equal parts olives and jalapenos, but adjust freely.
The jalapenos can be found in the mexican section of most stores now and a little goes a long way.

Zingy corned beef

Before cooking the vegetables add one or two (or more!) whole jalapenos en escabeche to the corned beef cooking water. I added two peppers before cooking the cabbage and it was noticeably spicy in a nice way. My wife almost found it too spicy.

Note that the corned beef and the potatoes won't pick up too much of this flavor. Also new red potatoes are ideal for corned beef. Much better than russets or yellow potatoes, in my opinion.

A broccoli marinade

2 parts soy sauce (Our aged La Choy bottle was a bit thick which was perfect)
2 parts olive oil
1 part rice vinegar (or some slightly sweet acidic vinegar, but not balsamic)

Mix. Drizzle or brush onto steamed broccoli.