Are you craving a dish that’s both exciting and easy to make? Look no further! Mar y Tierra, Spanish for "Sea and Earth," is a delightful culinary fusion that beautifully marries the flavors of succulent seafood with tender, savory meat. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste and impress your friends and family. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this stunning dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Season and Sear the Steak: Season the sirloin cubes generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze and Simmer: If using sherry, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), cayenne pepper (if using), and bring to a simmer.
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Combine and Cook: Return the seared steak to the skillet. Add the shrimp and gently stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the steak is tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice. This healthy meal is a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Mar Y Tierra:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the steak in batches to ensure it browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Look for fresh, high-quality shrimp and steak.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it will become tough.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken or pork for the steak.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate, one serving may contain approximately:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This Mar Y Tierra recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy and healthy. It’s a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a fantastic way to enjoy homemade cooking at its best. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of the sea and the earth combined in this satisfying and flavorful meal!