Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This recipe combines the richness of perfectly seared steak with the creamy coolness of avocado for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more impressive meal for guests. It's a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) sirloin steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Steak:
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet.
- Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remember, it's better to slightly undercook the steak as it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
Make the Avocado Salsa:
- While the steak is cooking, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, red onion, and lime juice. Gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can mash the avocado.
- Season the avocado salsa with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak.
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve them topped with the creamy avocado salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Steak and Avocado Recipe:
- Choosing your Steak: Sirloin is a great choice for this recipe due to its affordability and flavor. However, you can easily substitute with ribeye, filet mignon, or any other cut you prefer.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure to sear the steaks in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the steak to rest is crucial for a juicy and tender result.
- Avocado Ripeness: Use a ripe but firm avocado for the best texture in your salsa.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the avocado salsa for extra heat.
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the avocado salsa for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This quick and easy steak and avocado recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, and a surefire way to impress your friends and family with a flavorful and satisfying meal. Enjoy!