I wanted to make a quick dinner before the hurricane hit, since it might be our last hot meal for a while. I chose this recipe and it turned out wonderfully — simple to prepare and the chimichurri was incredibly flavorful. The power went out just after we finished our last bites.
Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Gourmet January 2001
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds trimmed flank steak
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large garlic clove
1 ½ cups fresh cilantro leaves
1 ½ cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation:
1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt with the ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
3. Place the steak on a broiler pan about 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time slightly if you prefer a different doneness. Remove the steak and transfer to a cutting board; let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
4. While the steak rests, make the chimichurri. With the food processor running, add the garlic and finely chop. Add the cilantro, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, cayenne, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped but still retain some texture — you want a vibrant, slightly coarse sauce rather than a puree.
5. Using a sharp knife held at a 45-degree angle, thinly slice the rested steak across the grain. Arrange the slices on a platter and spoon the chimichurri over the top or serve it on the side for guests to add to taste.
Notes:
– Resting the steak before slicing is essential for tender, juicy slices.
– Adjust the cayenne to taste for milder or spicier chimichurri.
– Fresh herbs make a big difference; use good-quality cilantro and parsley for the best flavor.
Big Flavors Rating: 4 Stars