South American Style Steak Recipes

SOUTH AMERICAN-STYLE STEAK

Steps:

• Place steaks in shallow baking dish.
• Pour orange, lemon and lime juices over steaks.
• Add garlic and turn steaks to coat.
• Marinate steaks, covered, for 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator.
• Heat oil in a heavy skillet (I use cast iron) over high heat until almost smoking.
• Season with salt& pepper, and cayenne.
• Fry steaks until brown on both sides, turning once, about 4 minutes.
• Transfer to plates and serve.
• You can grill if you prefer.

SOUTH AMERICAN FLANK STEAK

Steps:

• Squeeze juice from 1 orange and pour into a food processor or blender.
• Add garlic, cilantro, chiles and their sauce, oil, vinegar, cumin, coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Whirl until finely pureed.
• Place steak in a 1-gallon zip-lock plastic bag.
• Pour cilantro-chipotle mixture over steak and seal bag.
• Chill at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.
• Lift steak from marinade (discard marinade) and lay on an oiled barbecue grill over a solid bed of medium-hot coals or medium-high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 3 to 4 seconds); close lid on gas grill.
• Cook steak, turning every 4 to 5 minutes, until browned on both sides and done to your liking in center of thickest part (cut to test), about 12 minutes total for medium-rare.
• Transfer steak to a rimmed board or a platter. Let rest 3 to 5 minutes.
• Thinly slice meat across the grain.
• Also slice remaining orange.
• Serve steak with orange slices to squeeze over servings, and add salt to taste.

SOUTH AMERICAN MARINATED CEDAR-PLANKED STEAK

Steps:

• IMMERSE plank in water, placing a weight on top of plank to keep it submerged. Soak at least 4 hours or overnight. Meanwhile, mix dressing, onions, parsley, cilantro, garlic and red pepper. Remove 1/2 cup of the dressing mixture; set aside for later use. Pour remaining dressing mixture into large resealable plastic bag; add steak. Seal bag; turn over several times to evenly coat steak with the dressing mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to marinate.
• PREHEAT barbecue to high heat. Remove steak from marinade; discard bag and marinade. Grill steak 3 minute on each side; remove from barbecue. Remove plank from water; brush top with oil. Top with steak. Place on grate of barbecue; cover with lid. Reduce barbecue to medium heat.
• GRILL 15 to 20 minute or until medium doneness (160ºF). Remove steak from barbecue; discard plank. Cover steak loosely with foil; let stand 5 minute Cut steak into thin slices. Spoon reserved dressing mixture over steak.

SOUTH AMERICAN STEAK SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix all the above ingredients together.
• Quantity of vinegar may be adjusted to attain desired consistency.
• Let stand in refrigerator overnight so flavors can blend.
• Stir before use, and refrigerate when not in use.
• Especially good marinade for steaks and pork chops.

COOL JAZZ AND HOT TO TROT SOUTH AMERICAN CHIMICHURRI STEAK!

Steps:

• For the chimichurri relish: in a food processor, blend together all of the ingredients for the chimichurri relish to a coarse paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• For the steak: brush the steak with oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Heat a griddle pan until smoking and cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side (for medium rare), or until cooked to your liking. Set aside the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with the chimichurri relish, watercress and cumin spiced sautéed potatoes.
• Cook's note Chimichurri sauce tastes best when fresh, so use on the same day it is made. Alternatively, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

SOUTH AMERICAN FLANK STEAK

Steps:

• Season steak with salt and pepper.
• Let sit 10 minutes.
• Combine orange juice, garlic, cilantro, chiles, olive oil, vinegar, spices, salt and pepper (to taste) in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Place steak in a ziplock bag and pour in marinade.
• Let sit for 1 hour.
• Remove steak and discard marinade.
• Grill until desired doneness.
• Let sit 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.