Carthagenian Spiced Flank Steak
Experience a culinary journey with this Carthagenian Spiced Flank Steak, a dish inspired by the rich flavors of North Africa. This recipe combines tender flank steak marinated in a vibrant mix of lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and spices, creating an elevation of the savory and zesty profiles characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Ideal for gatherings, this one-dish meal offers a satisfying blend of bold flavors and a wonderful aroma that will transport your taste buds to exotic lands. Perfect for grilling season or a special occasion, this dish can be served alongside a refreshing salad or fluffy couscous for a complete feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
dry sherry
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh oregano
1/4 cup (chopped)
hot sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (none)
dried marjoram
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
flank steak
1 (2 lb) (trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a large ziplock bag, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, dry sherry, fresh oregano, hot sauce, turmeric, dried marjoram, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Score the flank steak with shallow cuts on both sides to help the marinade penetrate. Place the steak in the bag with the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag while pressing out excess air and place it in a glass bowl for support. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
3
Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. After marinating, remove the flank steak from the bag and gently pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
4
Grill the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For best results, aim for medium-rare, which is typically reached at an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
5
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices for a more flavorful cut.
6
Slice the flank steak against the grain to maximize tenderness, then serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carthagenian Spiced Flank Steak?
It is a culinary dish inspired by North African and Mediterranean flavors, featuring a tender flank steak marinated in a mix of lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this recipe?
The dish offers a vibrant blend of savory and zesty profiles, characterized by lemon juice, garlic, turmeric, and fresh oregano.
What cut of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 2 lb flank steak, which should be trimmed before preparation.
How do I prepare the marinade for the steak?
In a large ziplock bag, combine finely chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, dry sherry, fresh oregano, hot sauce, turmeric, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper.
How long should I marinate the flank steak?
You should marinate the steak for at least 20 minutes, though for the best flavor absorption, it is recommended to leave it overnight in the refrigerator.
What is the benefit of scoring the flank steak?
Scoring the steak with shallow cuts on both sides helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing the overall flavor.
What cooking method is recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests grilling the steak on a preheated grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
How long should I grill the steak on each side?
Grill the steak for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until it reaches your desired doneness.
What is the ideal internal temperature for medium-rare flank steak?
The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare is between 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Why should I pat the steak dry before grilling?
Patting the steak dry with paper towels removes excess moisture from the surface, which ensures a better sear during the grilling process.
Should the steak rest after cooking?
Yes, it is essential to let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes on a cutting board to help retain its juices.
How should the flank steak be sliced for serving?
The steak should be sliced against the grain to maximize its tenderness.
What side dishes go well with Carthagenian Spiced Flank Steak?
It is best served with a refreshing salad or fluffy couscous for a complete North African feast.
What type of citrus is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Does this recipe include any alcohol?
Yes, the marinade includes 1 tablespoon of dry sherry.
What spices provide the earthy flavor in this dish?
Turmeric and dried marjoram provide the earthy and fragrant spiced notes.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan over medium-high heat is a suitable alternative for this recipe.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced or chopped garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered an ideal one-dish meal that is satisfying and full of bold flavors.
What kind of oil should be used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the steak and various marinade components.
Is the marinade spicy?
The marinade contains 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, providing a mild heat that complements the other spices.
What role does soy sauce play in this recipe?
Soy sauce adds a savory, salty depth (umami) to the Mediterranean-inspired marinade.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the marinade?
No, the 1 cup of onion should be finely chopped and added raw to the marinade bag.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh oregano for the best aroma, but dried can be used in a smaller quantity if necessary.
How should the steak be stored during the marinating process?
It should be sealed in a ziplock bag with the air pressed out and placed in a glass bowl for support inside the refrigerator.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include flank steak, grilled meat, mediterranean, north african, one dish meal, cooking, marinade, grilling recipes, and easy dinner.
Is the steak seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground pepper are added to the marinade to taste.
What is the texture of the steak after slicing against the grain?
Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, making the flank steak very tender and easy to eat.
Can I prepare this for a special occasion?
Yes, its exotic aroma and bold presentation make it perfect for special occasions or seasonal grilling.