Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad
- Preparing Time: -
- Total Time: -
- Served Person: Makes 4 servings
- 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)*
- 1/2 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 1 1/2-pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup hot chili sauce (such as sriracha)*
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons honey
- 4 large bell peppers, preferably assorted colors, cut into 1/2-inch squares
- 2 tablespoons minced red jalapeã±o chiles
- 2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seedless watermelon
- Carbohydrate 20 g(7%)
- Cholesterol 116 mg(39%)
- Fat 32 g(49%)
- Fiber 4 g(16%)
- Protein 38 g(77%)
- Saturated Fat 8 g(38%)
- Sodium 473 mg(20%)
- Calories 523
A Busy Mom's Guide to a Flavorful Weeknight Meal: Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless to-do lists, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel impossible. But let me tell you, a satisfying dinner doesn't have to be a complicated affair. This Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad is my go-to recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The marinade for the steak is quick to prepare, and you can marinate it ahead of time – perfect for those evenings when you're running short on time. I usually do my prepping in the morning before heading to work, so when I get home, all that's left is the grilling. The vibrant pepper and watermelon salad adds a refreshing crunch and a kick of spice to balance the richness of the steak. It's a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will leave your family asking for seconds.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preference. If you're not a fan of intense heat, simply reduce the amount of sambal oelek and sriracha. And if you have picky eaters, you can serve the steak and salad separately. My kids usually enjoy the steak on its own, while I appreciate the delightful complexity of both elements combined.
Another advantage is the make-ahead aspect. Both the steak marinade and the salad can be prepared in advance, allowing you to have a delicious and healthy meal ready in minutes. I often prepare the marinade and salad on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator, ready for a quick weeknight dinner. This saves me valuable time during the week, giving me more time to spend with my family.
Beyond the weeknight dinner: This recipe is also perfect for summer barbecues and casual get-togethers. It's impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough to prepare without spending hours in the kitchen. The vibrant colors of the salad and the juicy grilled steak make for a visually appealing dish that's sure to be a hit at any gathering. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day as well.
So, if you're a busy mom looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that the whole family will love, look no further. This Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad is a winner. Try it out, and let me know what you think!
Tips and Variations:
- Marinate longer: For a more intense flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grill alternatives: If you don't have a grill, you can pan-sear the steak in a hot skillet.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as red onion, cucumber, or bell peppers.
- Different protein: This marinade also works well with chicken or fish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or salad for an extra kick.
This recipe isn't just about food; it's about finding balance in a busy life. It's a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals can be simple and quick to make. It's a celebration of flavor and a reminder to take a moment to savor the good things in life, even amidst the chaos.
Step-by-step
- For steak: Whisk all ingredients except flank steak in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Add steak; turn to coat. Cover and let marinate at room temperature 2 hours, turning occasionally. Alternatively, cover and chill at least 4 hours and up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before grilling.
- For pepper and watermelon salad: Whisk hot chili sauce, oil, vinegar, and honey in small bowl; season dressing with salt and pepper. Place peppers and chiles in large bowl. Toss with 6 tablespoons dressing. Let marinate 2 hours at room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and salad separately and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prepare barbecue (high heat). Grill steak with some marinade still clinging until cooked to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for rare. Transfer to work surface; let rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice steak against grain; transfer to platter. Drizzle with some of remaining dressing from salad.
- Toss watermelon into pepper salad. Serve flank steak and salad with remaining dressing alongside.
