Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This flank steak Mexican recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even for those new to homemade cooking. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet impressive recipe, a true champion among easy recipes and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Preparing the Flank Steak:
- Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the flank steak.
Cooking the Steak and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the flank steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. For a more tender steak, you can sear it quickly, then reduce heat and finish cooking with the onions and peppers.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Creating the Delicious Sauce:
- Pour beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in lime juice.
- Return the flank steak to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Serving your Masterpiece:
- Remove the flank steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness.
- Slice the steak thinly and serve over rice, with the delicious onion and pepper mixture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Tips for the Best Flank Steak:
- Don't overcook: Flank steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium to avoid becoming tough.
- Slice against the grain: This simple step makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- Marinate for extra flavor: For even more intense flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Variations:
- Add some heat: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few chopped jalapeños to the skillet with the onions and peppers.
- Spice it up differently: Experiment with different spice blends like chipotle powder or ancho chili powder.
- Make it a burrito bowl: Serve the steak and vegetables over rice with your favorite burrito bowl toppings like black beans, corn, avocado, and sour cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This flank steak Mexican recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. It's a winner for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make meal, showcasing the best of both healthy meals and quick dinner ideas!