Brazilian Grilled Flank Steak

Trombones on a Tuesday.
Elie had a solo band ensemble this afternoon where she tooted her trombone standing tall and proud in front of a judge. We find out how she did tomorrow!

Tonight, we served up Brazilian steak.  Barbecued meats (churrasco) are served in churrascarias, Brazilian barbecued-meat restaurants, with a salsa-like sauce as an accompaniment.  It was a perfect choice for our simple meat-eaters. We prepared the meal as the recipe follows with the exception of keeping the hot pepper from touching the kids half of the steak. It was delicious. Fresh, light and finally no heaviness to the meal. We broiled instead of grilled due to the month of February in Iowa. Though we could have since the weather has been so mild. Too much work in the dark. Instead, cleaning house was on the docket this evening. 

We are gearing up for the Lenten season to begin tomorrow so seafood will be our meal choice. 

Brazilian Grilled Flank Steak

INGREDIENTS

STEAK

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small hot pepper, such as jalapeño or serrano, minced
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 pounds flank steak

SALSA

• 1 14-ounce can hearts of palm, drained, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 small hot chile, such as jalapeño or serrano, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• PREPARATION

  1. Preheat grill to high (see Broiling Variation).
  2. To prepare steak: Combine garlic, hot pepper, oil and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture on both sides of steak.
  3. To prepare salsa: Combine hearts of palm, tomatoes, onion, hot pepper, cilantro, vinegar and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Reduce grill heat to medium and grill the steak 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut the steak across the grain into thin pieces. Serve with the salsa.

  TIPS & NOTES

  • Broiling variation:
  • Instead of grilling, in Step 1 position oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat broiler. In Step 4, cook steak on a broiler pan under the broiler until medium-rare, turning once, about 10 minutes total.