Spicy Southwest Grilled Flat Iron Steak
This Spicy Southwest Grilled Flat Iron Steak recipe combines bold spices and sweet notes to create a flavor-packed dish perfect for summer grilling. Enhanced with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar, this steak is sure to impress your family and friends. The marinade not only infuses the meat with deliciousness but also helps tenderize it, resulting in a juicy and succulent steak. Serve it sliced with your favorite sides or atop a fresh salad for a satisfying meal. Perfect for barbecues and gatherings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed) (none)
Cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic, minced
2 teaspoons (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Flat iron steak
1 - 1 1/2 lb (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, garlic, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground red pepper until well combined.
2
Place the flat iron steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the spice mixture over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover or seal and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
3
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated steak on the grill.
4
Grill the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. This will help to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on your preference.
5
Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
6
Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips, and serve warm with your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southwest Grilled Flat Iron Steak?
It is a flavor-packed dish featuring flat iron steak marinated in a blend of chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar, perfect for grilling.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 to 1.5 lbs of flat iron steak.
How long should the steak marinate?
The steak should marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to properly absorb the flavors.
What are the main spices in the Southwest marinade?
The marinade consists of chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and ground red pepper.
Is this steak recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick due to the inclusion of chili powder and ground red pepper.
What provides the sweetness in the marinade?
Two tablespoons of packed brown sugar are used to provide a sweet note that balances the spices.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the marinade mixture.
What type of vinegar is used?
Two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar are used in the marinade to help tenderize the meat.
Does the recipe include Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is included for added savory depth.
How should I preheat the grill?
The grill should be preheated to high heat before placing the steak on it.
How long do I grill the steak on each side?
Grill the steak for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
What is the recommended doneness for flat iron steak?
The recipe recommends aiming for medium-rare to medium doneness.
How do I ensure the steak cooks evenly?
Turning the steak occasionally during the 6-8 minute intervals helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking.
Why should I let the steak rest after grilling?
Resting the steak for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
How should the steak be sliced?
The steak should be sliced against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
Can I marinate the steak in a plastic bag?
Yes, a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish can be used for the marinating process.
How much cumin is required?
One tablespoon of cumin is needed for this recipe.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of chili powder.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
You can serve it warm with your choice of sides or sliced atop a fresh salad.
Is ground red pepper necessary?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper to add a specific heat level.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for barbecues and summer gatherings.
How much flat iron steak do I need?
You will need between 1 and 1.5 pounds of flat iron steak.
Does the marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the combination of ingredients like balsamic vinegar helps to tenderize the steak.
Should the marinade be applied evenly?
Yes, you should pour the mixture over the steak and ensure it is evenly coated for best results.
Can I cook this indoors?
While the recipe is designed for a grill, you could use a grill pan on high heat indoors as an alternative.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients including the steak and marinade components.
What is the benefit of the brown sugar?
The brown sugar helps create a caramelized crust on the steak during grilling.
What temperature should the refrigerator be for marinating?
The steak should be kept at standard refrigeration temperatures (below 40°F/4°C).
Can I substitute the flat iron steak?
While flat iron is recommended, you could substitute with flank or skirt steak, though cooking times may vary.
What flavor profile does this recipe have?
It features a Southwest profile that is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.