Savor Grilled Steak with Spicy Peanut Dressing
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients
- 3 cloves of garlic, grated finely
- ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup of smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup of fish sauce
- 2 Fresno peppers, sliced thinly
- 2–2½ lb. flank steak
- Coarse kosher salt
- Oil for grilling (vegetable)
- ¼ cup of finely chopped salted and roasted peanuts
- Fresh mint leaves and/or thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1
To start making your spicy peanut dressing, grab a medium bowl and finely grate three cloves of garlic. This will release all those wonderful flavors! Next, add in ½ cup of fresh lime juice and ½ cup of sugar. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved—this should take just a couple of minutes. Then, stir in ⅓ cup of creamy peanut butter and ¼ cup of fish sauce. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined; the peanut butter should blend in nicely. Finally, slice two Fresno chiles thinly and fold them into the dressing. Set your creation aside for now; it’s going to add a fantastic kick to your grilled steak!
Step 2
To start, grab your flank steak and place it on a sturdy cutting board. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pot, gently pound the steak until it’s evenly about ½ inch thick. This will help tenderize the meat and ensure it cooks evenly. Once you’ve done that, take a large fork and prick the steak all over on both sides; this allows the marinade to soak in beautifully. Next, season the meat generously with kosher salt. This is key to enhancing the steak’s natural flavors. Now, take a resealable plastic bag and place the seasoned steak inside. Pour half of your reserved spicy peanut dressing over the steak, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out as much air as possible, and place it in the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, letting it marinate for up to 12 hours will bring out even more flavor in your grilled steak. While the steak is resting in the fridge, don’t forget to cover and chill the remaining dressing until you’re ready to serve!
Step 3
To get that perfect grilled steak, start by preheating your grill to high heat. While it’s heating up, take a paper towel and dip it in vegetable oil; then, carefully oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot and ready, place your steak on the grate. Grill the steak for about 8 to 10 minutes total. Make sure to turn it halfway through to get those beautiful char marks on both sides. For a medium-rare finish, check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read around 125°F when inserted into the thickest part. If you're unsure, give it a gentle poke with your finger — it should feel as firm as your palm. Once it’s done, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15 minutes, but up to 30 minutes is even better. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and delicious.
Step 4
Once your steak has rested, it’s time to get slicing! Start by cutting the steak in half lengthwise, which helps you manage those juicy pieces more easily. Next, take each half and slice it against the grain into thin strips — aim for about ¼ inch thick. This will ensure each bite is tender and full of flavor. Now, take a rimmed platter and arrange the sliced steak in an appealing way. Drizzle the reserved spicy peanut dressing over the top, letting it cascade beautifully over the meat. For an extra crunch and flavor boost, sprinkle ¼ cup of finely chopped salted and roasted peanuts over the steak. Finally, finish it off with fresh mint leaves and/or thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the vibrant presentation and the delightful mix of flavors!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
For a deeper flavor, marinate the flank steak in the peanut dressing for at least 6 hours, or even overnight if you can. This allows the garlic and lime to really penetrate the meat, making each bite even more delicious!
Leftovers
To store your grilled steak with spicy peanut dressing, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve its juicy texture, and warm the dressing separately to keep that vibrant flavor intact.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping the flank steak for grilled eggplant to create a delicious vegetarian version. Marinate the eggplant slices in the same spicy peanut dressing for a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.