Showing posts with label flank steak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flank steak. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Rossa Piccante & Crispy Roasted Potatoes

 

Fire up the grill for this Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Rossa Piccante & Crispy Roasted Potatoes. Herb-marinated flank steak is grilled to perfection, served with a bold roasted red pepper and tomato sauce, and paired with crispy roasted potatoes for an easy steakhouse-inspired dinner at home.



Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Rossa Piccante & Crispy Roasted Potatoes


Doesn't a perfectly grilled steak instantly make dinner feel like an occasion? Add a vibrant homemade sauce and a pan of crispy roasted potatoes, and suddenly an ordinary evening feels just a little more special—all without leaving home.

This Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Rossa Piccante & Crispy Roasted Potatoes is one of those meals that looks like it came from your favorite neighborhood steakhouse, yet it's surprisingly approachable to make in your own kitchen. A simple herb marinade of fresh rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, and garlic gives the flank steak incredible flavor, while the Salsa Rossa Piccante—a rich combination of roasted red peppers, San Marzano tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and a touch of red jalapeño—adds bold Italian-inspired character without overwhelming the steak.

The crispy roasted potatoes round out the meal with very little extra effort, making this a complete dinner that's equally suited for a relaxed weekend with the family, casual entertaining, or an at-home date night. It's the kind of recipe that feels impressive when you set it on the table, but it's built from simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that anyone can master.

One of my favorite things about this meal is how beautifully everything comes together on the plate. A generous swipe of the warm Salsa Rossa Piccante, perfectly sliced steak arranged on top, and crisp golden potatoes alongside create a restaurant-style presentation that's easy enough to recreate in your own kitchen. It's proof that sometimes the most memorable dinners don't have to be complicated—they just need good ingredients, a little care, and a recipe you'll want to make again and again.

Enjoy!











-- Ingredients


  • Flank Steak - An affordable cut that becomes wonderfully tender when marinated and sliced thinly across the grain.
  • Fresh Rosemary & Thyme - Fresh herbs infuse the marinade with savory flavor that complements the grilled steak beautifully.
  • Spices: Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano
  • Red Wine Vinegar & Olive Oil
  • Jarred Roasted Red Peppers - The foundation of the Salsa Rossa Piccante, adding natural sweetness and beautiful color.
  • San Marzano Tomatoes - These tomatoes create a rich, smooth sauce with balanced acidity.
  • Shallots & Garlic - Build layers of flavor that make the sauce taste like it simmered for hours.
  • Red Jalapeno - for a little heat - omit if you don't want it spicy.
  • Baby Gold Potatoes - Roast beautifully with crisp edges and creamy centers, making them the perfect side for this steak dinner.
  • Italian Parsley - optional topping for the potatoes.


-- Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or grill pan
  • Large bowl or zip-top bag for marinating
  • Small saucepan
  • Sheet pan
  • Tongs
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Cutting board

My Go-To's




-- Let's Make It Together

Whisk together the herb marinade, coat the flank steak well, and let it marinate for at least an hour while the flavors develop.

As the steak comes to room temperature before grilling, prepare the Salsa Rossa Piccante by sautéing the shallots, garlic, and jalapeño before adding the tomatoes and roasted peppers. Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Roast the potatoes until deeply golden with crisp edges and fluffy centers.

Grill the steak until it reaches your preferred doneness, then let it rest before slicing thinly across the grain. Serve over a generous swipe of warm Salsa Rossa Piccante with the crispy potatoes alongside.


-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The two biggest secrets to this recipe are patience and slicing. Giving the steak time to marinate builds flavor from the inside out, while allowing it to rest after grilling keeps the juices where they belong. When it's time to carve, always slice across the grain into thin slices. This shortens the muscle fibers, making flank steak remarkably tender with every bite.




-- Add Your Touch

This dinner is easy to customize with a few simple swaps.

  • Substitute tri-tip or skirt steak if preferred.
  • Add grilled asparagus or broccolini alongside the potatoes.
  • Finish the steak with shaved Parmesan for an Italian-inspired twist.
  • Stir fresh basil into the Salsa Rossa just before serving.
  • Serve with grilled rustic bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.





Set the Mood

Part of the joy of cooking is creating a little moment around the meal. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood when serving this dish.





Some dinners manage to feel both comforting and a little bit special, and this is one of them. The herb-marinated flank steak, vibrant Salsa Rossa Piccante, and crispy roasted potatoes come together to create a meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to pull together. It's the kind of dinner that's just as fitting for a quiet weekend at home as it is for sharing with friends around the table.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Italian Picnic Sandwich for a Crowd, Sicilian Lemon Butter Chicken with Garlic Thyme Rice, or Grilled London Broil with Grilled Nectarine, Corn, Tomato, & Burrata Salad for more fresh, flavorful meals that feel special without being complicated.

Happy cooking!

Beth ❤️




Before You Start


Why Marinate the Steak?
The herb marinade adds flavor while helping tenderize the flank steak. Even one hour makes a noticeable difference, but up to four hours develops even deeper flavor.

Why Let the Steak Rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting into the steak too soon causes those flavorful juices to run onto the cutting board instead of staying in each slice.

Why Slice Against the Grain?
Flank steak has long muscle fibers. Slicing across them shortens the fibers, making each bite much more tender.

Can I Make the Sauce Ahead?
Yes! The Salsa Rossa Piccante can be made one or two days ahead and gently reheated before serving, making dinner even easier.

How Do I Know When the Potatoes Are Done?
Look for crisp, golden edges and tender centers. Turning them halfway through roasting helps them brown evenly on all sides.

Can I Cook This Indoors?
Absolutely. A grill pan or heavy cast-iron skillet works beautifully if outdoor grilling isn't an option.



Saturday, September 6, 2025

Hawaiian Steak Feast with Grilled Zucchini & Whipped Feta


Celebrate island flavors at home with this Hawaiian Steak Feast with Grilled Zucchini & Whipped Feta. A tropical-inspired dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a special occasion—or any night you want a little getaway.




Hawaiian Steak Feast with Grilled Zucchini & Whipped Feta


Our wedding anniversary just passed, and it stirred up some beautiful memories. We were married on a beach in Hawaii, waves crashing softly in the background, and the scent of the ocean carried into every part of that magical day. Ever since, Hawaii has held a special place in my heart—not just for the stunning scenery, but for the food that wrapped itself around every memory.

This past month, I’ve been cooking Hawaiian-inspired dishes to relive a little of that time. One recipe in particular reminds me of our celebration dinner: Hawaiian Steak Feast with Grilled Zucchini & Whipped Feta. Juicy, marinated flank steak grilled until perfectly charred, tender zucchini with a smoky kiss of flame, and a creamy base of whipped feta that ties it all together.

At first glance, the ingredient list might seem a little long, but don’t let that fool you—this dish is wonderfully easy to prepare. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the steak with bright pineapple, mango, and ginger notes while you simply grill and blend. In less than an hour of hands-on time, you’ll have a tropical dinner that feels both special and effortless.

Every bite takes me back to the island breeze and that unforgettable evening. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to treat yourself to a little taste of paradise, this Hawaiian steak dish is the perfect way to bring the aloha spirit home.




What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tropical-inspired dish:

  • Flank Steak – tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up marinade.
  • Soy Sauce (low-sodium) – the salty, umami base of the marinade.
  • Pineapple Juice – brings natural sweetness and a touch of acidity.
  • Brown Sugar – balances the savory flavors with a hint of caramelized depth.
  • Rice Vinegar – adds brightness to the marinade.
  • Fresh Ginger & Garlic – bold aromatics for that signature island kick.
  • Onion Powder & Black Pepper – simple seasoning to round out the flavor.
  • Mango Purée – sweet and tropical, pairing beautifully with the pineapple.
  • Zucchini – sliced lengthwise for grilling; smoky and tender.
  • Olive Oil & Kosher Salt – essential for grilling the vegetables.
  • Feta Cheese & Heavy Cream (or milk) – blended into a creamy whipped feta to serve as a luscious base.



Substitutions and Variations

Make this recipe your own with a few simple swaps:

  • Steak Alternatives: Try skirt steak or sirloin if flank isn’t available. Both grill beautifully.
  • Feta Swap: Goat cheese or cream cheese can replace feta for a milder whipped base.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Blend feta with a splash of olive oil instead of cream, or use a plant-based feta substitute.
  • Veggie Twist: Substitute zucchini with eggplant, bell peppers, or even asparagus for variety.
  • Fruit Boost: Add grilled pineapple slices or fresh mango chunks alongside the steak for extra tropical flair.
  • Heat Lovers: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the marinade for a sweet-spicy balance.





Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Marinade Time: Keep it between 4–8 hours. Too short and the flavors won’t penetrate; too long and the steak can become mushy from the fruit enzymes.
  • Pat the Steak Dry: Before grilling, blot the meat with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear instead of steaming.
  • Grill Hot & Fast: Flank steak cooks best over high heat for a short time—this keeps it tender and juicy.
  • Slice Against the Grain: This is key! Cutting thin slices against the grain ensures the steak is tender, not chewy.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: The whipped feta can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp before serving.
  • Serving Idea: Spread the whipped feta on the platter before topping it with sliced steak and zucchini—it makes for a beautiful presentation.


















Saturday, August 2, 2025

The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri

Fresh, bold, and satisfying—this summer steak salad features grilled flank steak, spiced tomato rice, crisp greens, and a zesty avocado chimichurri dressing. Perfect for warm-weather dinners!




The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri

When the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than digging into a vibrant, flavor-packed steak salad—especially one that hits all the right notes: juicy, smoky, crisp, creamy, and fresh. The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri brings it all to the table. With layers of grilled flank steak, spiced tomato rice, crisp greens, and a zippy avocado herb dressing, this salad is hearty enough for dinner but bright enough for a summer night.

One of our favorite pastimes is heading to Barnes & Noble, where we can grab a few glossy magazines while sipping something refreshing and nibbling on a treat.  My choice every time, dare I say, is the food section while the hubby picks out cars and aviation.  It’s the kind of slow, cozy outing that always sparks culinary inspiration for me. This recipe is a variation of one I discovered in the 2025 issue of Better Homes & Gardens: Best Salad Recipes—a standout dish that instantly inspired me to make it with a few variations.  The result was it became the perfect summer salad worth sharing!

Every bite is a masterclass in contrast: smoky, spice-rubbed steak meets tangy-sweet tomato rice, while crisp lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes keep things light and refreshing. Then there’s that dreamy avocado chimichurri—herby, garlicky, and creamy with a citrusy punch that ties everything together like a green velvet ribbon. It’s bold without being overpowering, fresh yet deeply satisfying. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a full-on flavor experience that’ll have everyone going back for seconds (and asking for the recipe).

Enjoy!







What Ingredients do I need?

Produce
  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Green leaf lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh lemon
Meat
  • Flank steak (sirloin, flat iron, or skirt steak all work well)
Pantry
  • Brown rice (cooked or uncooked, depending on preference)
  • Olive oil
  • Petite diced tomatoes (canned)
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red wine vinegar




Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Don't have exactly all the ingredients on hand?  Here are a few easy swaps you can make.

  • Steak:  Flank steak can be swapped for skirt steak, flat iron, or even sirloin—just adjust grilling time based on thickness.
  • Rice: Use white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as an alternative. The tomato spice mixture works well with all three.
  • Avocado Chimichurri Dressing:  Out of parsley or cilantro? Use all parsley, all cilantro, or sub in a handful of baby spinach or basil for a twist.
  • Lettuce:  

    Green leaf lettuce can be swapped with romaine, baby spinach, or a spring mix.
  • Cherry Tomatoes:  Feel free to use diced heirloom tomatoes or grape tomatoes—whatever’s fresh and flavorful.

Variations

Looking to switch things up or tailor the salad to what you have on hand? Here are two delicious variations to try:

  • Garlic-Lime Chicken Salad with Avocado Chimichurri:  Swap the steak for grilled chicken breasts or thighs marinated in garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s a lighter twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy chimichurri—and it’s just as satisfying on a hot summer night.





Kitchen Tips and Notes
  • Let the steak rest before slicing! This step is crucial—giving it 10 minutes to rest (tented with foil) keeps those flavorful juices locked in, making every bite tender and satisfying.

  • Slice against the grain. This helps break up the steak’s muscle fibers for a more tender chew—especially important when using flank steak.

  • Use freshly cooked rice. Warm rice absorbs the tomato and spice mixture better than cold or leftover rice.  Try heating up a package or two of ready made brown rice for ease.  

  • Blend the dressing until creamy. A high-speed blender or food processor gives the avocado chimichurri its silky texture. Scrape down the sides to ensure all the herbs get blended evenly.

  • Serve immediately for best texture. While you can prep components ahead, this salad really shines when the steak is warm, the rice is fluffy, and the greens are crisp.





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