Zesty North African Spice-Flanked Steak
Indulge in a flavorful journey with this Zesty North African Spice-Flanked Steak. The combination of aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and cinnamon creates a vibrant rub that infuses the tender flank steak with rich flavors. Searing the steak in a hot skillet enhances the spices, resulting in a deliciously caramelized crust while maintaining a juicy, succulent interior. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
Fresh Coarse Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (coarse ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Beef Flank Steak
1 - 1 1/4 lb (whole)
Vegetable Oil
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, dried thyme, coarse black pepper, salt, and cinnamon to create the spice blend.
2
Generously rub the spice mixture on both sides of the flank steak, ensuring an even coating. For optimal flavor, let the steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
4
Carefully add the seasoned flank steak to the skillet. Cook for 14-16 minutes for medium-rare doneness, turning the steak once halfway through the cooking time.
5
Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6
Slice the steak thinly at a diagonal angle against the grain. Serve immediately, drizzled with a touch of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty North African Spice-Flanked Steak?
It is a flavorful beef dish featuring a flank steak rubbed with North African spices like coriander, cumin, and cinnamon, then pan-seared for a caramelized crust.
Which spices are included in the North African rub?
The rub consists of ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, fresh coarse ground black pepper, salt, and ground cinnamon.
How do I prepare the spice blend?
Thoroughly mix the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, dried thyme, coarse black pepper, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
How much beef flank steak do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1 1/4 lbs of beef flank steak.
How long should the steak sit after applying the spice rub?
For optimal flavor, let the steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
What is the recommended cooking method for the steak?
The steak should be seared in a nonstick 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
How much vegetable oil is needed for searing?
Use 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in the skillet.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough to cook the steak?
Heat the oil until it shimmers but does not smoke before adding the steak.
How long does it take to cook the steak to medium-rare?
Cook the flank steak for 14-16 minutes, turning it once halfway through the cooking time.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Why is it important to let the steak rest after cooking?
Resting the steak for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy and succulent.
How should the flank steak be sliced for serving?
Slice the steak thinly at a diagonal angle against the grain.
What are the nutritional values for one serving of this steak?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 18.75g of fat, 2.5g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb beef dish.
Can I add a garnish to the finished steak?
Yes, you can drizzle the sliced steak with a touch of olive oil if desired before serving immediately.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A nonstick 10-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe.
How much ground cinnamon is used in the spice blend?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features aromatic, savory, and zesty flavors from the North African spice profile.
What sides pair well with this North African steak?
It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Is the steak cooked whole or in pieces?
The steak is cooked as a whole flank steak and then sliced after resting.
How much ground cumin is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What type of thyme should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much paprika is in the spice rub?
You should use 1 teaspoon of paprika.
How much ground coriander is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What is the preparation style for the black pepper?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
Can this steak be grilled?
While the instructions focus on pan-searing, the recipe tags indicate it is also suitable for grilling.
How much salt is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the spice blend.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar?
The provided nutritional data indicates null values for fiber and sugar.
What ensures the steak gets a caramelized crust?
Searing the spice-coated steak in a hot skillet over medium-high heat creates the caramelized crust.