Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that will make your taste buds dance? These Cilantro Lime Steak Strips are not just a recipe—they're a culinary adventure that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. With a perfect balance of tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and perfectly seared steak, this dish is about to become your new weeknight hero that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the sliced flank steak strips into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove steak strips from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove steak strips from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Pat the strips dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Carefully place steak strips in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Remove steak strips from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. The 15-30 minute marinade allows the lime and cilantro to tenderize and infuse the steak with incredible flavor.
- Meat Preparation: Pat the steak strips dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Skillet Selection: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving a beautiful, caramelized exterior on the steak strips.
- Temperature Control: For medium-rare, aim for 2-3 minutes per side, but adjust based on your preferred doneness.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
