Imagine a dinner that combines the rich, savory depth of perfectly marinated flank steak with the nutritious, light texture of quinoa - a culinary masterpiece that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. This American-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor journey that delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place flank steak in a shallow dish and pour marinade over the meat, ensuring it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate the steak. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Preheat grill or heavy skillet to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill or pan-sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precise temperature.
- Let steak rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- While steak rests, add frozen peas to quinoa and stir, allowing residual heat to warm peas.
- Slice steak against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- Plate quinoa with peas, top with sliced steak, and garnish with sliced scallions. Drizzle with remaining olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. While 20 minutes works, letting the steak sit for up to 2 hours will intensify the flavor profile.
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Temperature is Key: For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Resting Matters: Always let your steak rest after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful cut.
- Grain Cutting Technique: When slicing the steak, always cut against the grain to maximize tenderness and improve the eating experience.
- Pea Pro Tip: Use frozen peas for convenience, but add them at the last moment to maintain their bright color and fresh texture.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
