Description
This 20-Minute Chili Lime Flank Steak is a quick and flavorful dish that combines zesty lime juice with spicy chili powder and aromatic cumin to create a marinade that tenderizes and enhances the meat. Perfectly grilled or seared to juicy medium-rare, this recipe is ideal for a fast, satisfying meal that melts hearts with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Main
- 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and fresh lime juice. Mix well until fully blended to create a zesty base for the marinade.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to develop a fragrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Massage and rub the marinade evenly all over the steak ensuring every part is coated.
- Rest the meat: Allow the steak to soak up the marinade flavors for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor, refrigerate and marinate overnight.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat to prepare for searing the steak and locking in the juices.
- Cook the steak: Grill or sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness. If you prefer a more well-done steak, increase cooking time by an additional minute per side.
- Rest after cooking: Remove the steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender texture.
- Slice and serve: Cut the steak thinly against the grain into strips to maximize tenderness and serve immediately, highlighting the intensely flavored and juicy meat.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Cutting against the grain is key to tender slices of steak.
- Use a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a grill for a similar sear effect.
- Adjust chili powder to control heat level according to personal preference.
- Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain the juices for a moist bite.
