Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where smoky mezcal meets perfectly grilled steak and sweet, tangy pineapple salsa. This isn't just a recipe; it's an explosion of flavors that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Prepare to impress your guests and tantalize your palate with a dish that combines traditional Mexican techniques with modern grilling perfection.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pineapple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a large shallow dish, combine mezcal, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place skirt steak in the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat (around 450-500°F), creating distinct grill marks and caramelization.
- While grill heats, prepare pineapple salsa by combining diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and remaining olive oil in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Remove steak from marinade, pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to desired doneness.
- Let steak rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice steak against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- Serve sliced steak topped with fresh pineapple salsa, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the steak overnight. The longer the meat sits in the mezcal marinade, the more complex and rich the taste will become.
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear.
- Grill Precision: Use a high heat setting (450-500°F) to create those beautiful caramelized grill marks that add both flavor and visual appeal.
- Slicing Technique: Always slice the steak against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Salsa Freshness: Prepare the pineapple salsa just before serving to maintain its vibrant colors and crisp texture.
- Optional Kick: If you love extra heat, keep some extra jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add a dash of hot sauce for more spice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 547kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 60g
Fat: 54g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 120mg
