Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to a Mexican beach! This mouthwatering Grilled Flank Steak with Pineapple Salsa is not just a recipe—it's a sensational journey of bold flavors, perfect char, and tropical freshness that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a professional chef. With just 30 minutes between you and a restaurant-quality meal, prepare to impress and indulge in a dish that balances smoky, juicy steak with bright, zesty pineapple salsa.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat (around 450-500°F), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- For pineapple salsa, combine diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Place the seasoned flank steak on the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Use tongs to flip the steak only once during cooking to achieve beautiful grill marks and maintain juiciness.
- Remove steak from grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes, which allows juices to redistribute and ensures a tender result.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness.
- Plate the sliced steak and top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak rest at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Seasoning Matters: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—generously season both sides of the steak for maximum flavor development.
- Grill Master Technique: Use high heat (450-500°F) and clean, oiled grates to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Doneness Precision: For medium-rare, aim for 5-7 minutes per side, but use a meat thermometer for guaranteed perfect results.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your steak rest 5-10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful cut.
- Slicing Technique: Always slice against the grain of the meat to maximize tenderness and create more enjoyable, easier-to-chew pieces.
- Salsa Tip: Prepare the pineapple salsa ahead of time and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 351kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
