Pesto Steak Confit Recipes

FLAT IRON STEAK WITH PIQUILLO PEPPER PESTO

Steps:

• For the pesto: Combine the piquillo peppers, macadamia nuts, salt and olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. Spoon the pesto into a bowl and set aside until ready to use.
• For the steak: Remove the flat iron steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with the salt. Add the oil to the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully add the steak to the pan and place a foil-wrapped brick or a small cast-iron pan on top of the steak to weight it down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Remove the weight and, using tongs, flip the steak. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the pesto.

STEAK WITH SPICY OLIVE PESTO

Steps:

• Pound the steak on both sides with a meat tenderizer or pierce with a fork. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag; add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat; marinate in the refrigerator, 2 to 8 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-high heat, tossing occasionally, until slightly golden, about 3 minutes; let cool. Pulse the parsley, garlic and red pepper flakes in a food processor until almost smooth. Add the toasted pine nuts, cheese and 5 tablespoons olive oil and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 3 tablespoons water and the olives; season with salt.
• Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
• Heat a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high heat; add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add the steak and cook until a dark crust forms, about 7 minutes. Turn and cook until a thermometer inserted into the center of the steak (from the side) registers 130 degrees F for medium rare, about 8 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
• Brush the steak with some of the pesto. Thinly slice against the grain and serve with the remaining pesto.

CONFIT OLIVE OIL STEAK

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• Pat filet dry. Season evenly with salt.
• Place steak into a small glass dish, about the size of the steak. Press minced garlic on top of the steak and lay thyme sprigs on top. Pour enough olive oil on top so the steak is immersed in oil.
• Cook steak in the preheated oven until the internal temperature is 135 degrees F (57 degrees C), about 40 minutes.
• Remove steak from oven and blot dry.
• Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the skillet and sear steak in the hot oil for 30 to 40 seconds on each side, including the sides. Slice and serve immediately.

15-MINUTE GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH PESTO BUTTER

Steps:

• Preheat a large cast-iron grill pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Cut the skirt steak into 4 even pieces, rub with half of the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once, until charred on both sides and at the desired doneness, 6 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (depending on thickness).
• Meanwhile, whisk together the pesto, butter and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Trim the ends of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus with the remaining oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes. Working in batches if necessary, place the asparagus in a single layer on the grill pan and cook, turning once, until charred in spots and crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
• Divide the steaks and asparagus among 4 plates; top each steak with a dollop of the pesto butter. Serve immediately.