Moroccan Spiced Skirt Steak with Roasted Bell Pepper Couscous
This vibrant Moroccan Spiced Skirt Steak with Roasted Bell Pepper Couscous brings a stunning array of flavors to your plate. The tender skirt steak is quickly cooked to perfection, infused with aromatic spices that reflect the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Paired with a zesty roasted bell pepper couscous, this dish offers a delightful contrast of spice and sweetness. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe on a busy weeknight, and elevate your meal with a simple arugula salad and a glass of Pinot Noir for a truly satisfying dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
2 medium (Roasted, chopped)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Lemon
1 (Zested and juiced)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (For couscous)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For steak)
Whole Wheat Couscous
2/3 cup (Dry)
Skirt Steak
1 lb (Trimmed, 3/4 to 1-inch thick)
Green Olives
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil and position the rack in the upper third.
2
Place the whole bell peppers on a baking sheet and broil them, turning every 5 minutes, until they are charred and softened (10-15 minutes). Once done, transfer them to a clean cutting board to cool. When cool enough to handle, chop the peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Grate 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest and set aside. Juice the lemon into a measuring cup and add enough water to make 1 cup total. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and water mixture with the lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Bring to a boil, then stir in the couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and let it sit.
4
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Rub the remaining spice mixture evenly over both sides of the skirt steak. Cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes.
5
After the couscous has rested, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the chopped olives and roasted bell peppers. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and serve over a generous scoop of the couscous. Garnish with additional lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is a 1 lb trimmed skirt steak, approximately 3/4 to 1-inch thick.
How many bell peppers are required for the couscous?
You will need 2 medium bell peppers which are roasted and chopped.
What spices make up the Moroccan spice blend?
The spice blend consists of cumin, coriander, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and freshly ground black pepper.
How long should I broil the bell peppers?
Broil the peppers for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until charred and softened.
What type of couscous is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of dry whole wheat couscous.
How do I prepare the liquid for the couscous?
Juice one lemon into a measuring cup and add enough water to reach exactly 1 cup of total liquid.
What is the recommended cooking time for the steak?
Cook the skirt steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
How should the skirt steak be sliced?
The steak should be thinly sliced against the grain after resting.
How long does the steak need to rest after cooking?
The steak should rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the recommended tags for this recipe?
Tags include Moroccan, steak, quick meal, healthy, couscous, dinner, and Mediterranean.
Are there any olives in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped green olives are stirred into the finished couscous.
What is the suggested wine pairing for this meal?
A glass of Pinot Noir is recommended to accompany this Moroccan spiced dish.
What side salad goes well with this steak?
A simple arugula salad is suggested to complement the flavors of the steak and couscous.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of olive oil is used (1 tsp for couscous, 1 tbsp for steak).
When should I add the lemon zest?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to the saucepan with the lemon juice and water mixture before boiling.
Is the spice mixture used for both the couscous and the steak?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of the spice mix goes into the couscous liquid, and the remainder is rubbed on the steak.
What is the oven position for roasting the peppers?
The oven rack should be positioned in the upper third for broiling.
How do I ensure the couscous is properly cooked?
Stir the couscous into the boiling liquid, cover, remove from heat, and let it sit until the steak is ready.
How much turmeric is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of salt, adjusted to taste.
Can I use regular couscous instead of whole wheat?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat couscous, regular couscous can be substituted using the same liquid ratio.
How much cinnamon is in the spice rub?
The spice rub includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Should the peppers be peeled after charring?
The instructions mention chopping the charred, softened peppers into bite-sized pieces; peeling is optional based on preference.
What heat level should the skillet be for the steak?
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish can be garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
How much cumin is needed?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is used in the spice mixture.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features aromatic Moroccan spices, zesty lemon, sweet roasted peppers, and savory steak.
Is this recipe considered a weeknight-friendly meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight dinner and a quick meal, taking approximately 20-30 minutes.
How much coriander is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.