Cilantro-Lime Flank Steak Salad

Cilantro-Lime Flank Steak Salad

3.9 of 5 (27)
member ratings
Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 4
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 361.4
  • Total Fat: 10.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 46.1 mg
  • Sodium: 84.4 mg
  • Total Carbs: 41.1 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.8 g
  • Protein: 25.4 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Cilantro-Lime Flank Steak Salad calories by ingredient


Introduction

Topped with lean, juicy flank steak, this salad is sure to satisfy. Marinate the steak in the morning and dinner will be ready in a flash at night.
Topped with lean, juicy flank steak, this salad is sure to satisfy. Marinate the steak in the morning and dinner will be ready in a flash at night.

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

    Dressing and marinade:
    Zest and juice of 3 limes
    2 teaspoons olive oil
    1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    Pinch cracked black pepper
    1 teaspoon soy sauce
    2 cloves garlic, chopped
    2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

    Steak:
    16 ounces flank steak, visible fat trimmed

    Salad:
    1 cup whole-wheat Israeli couscous
    1 medium red onion, chopped, (about 1 cup)
    16 cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1/2 pint)
    1/2 large cucumber chopped (about 2 cups)
    4 cups arugula

Tips

When slicing the meat make sure you cut against against the grain of the meat. Slicing with the grain will make every bite a tough chew.
Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous, is larger in size than traditional versions (about the size of a pencil eraser). You can find it in the whole grains section, or you can swap in regular couscous.
Israeli couscous is larger than regular couscous; look for it in the whole grains section of the supermarket or trade it for pearled barley.


Directions

Prep work:

Pierce the steak several times with a fork.

Combine 1/4 cup lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Pour half the mixture into another small bowl. Add the lime zest, soy sauce, and garlic to one bowl to create the steak marinade, and add the balsamic to the the other to make the dressing.
Pour the marinade into a heavy-duty zip-top bag and add the steak. Remove any excess air and seal the bag, making sure the meat is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
Cover the dressing and refrigerate until you're ready to eat.

At mealtime:
Prepare the couscous according to package directions.
Pour the dressing into a large mixing bowl, then add the onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and arugula and toss well. Add the prepared couscous to the bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Note: This can all be done ahead of time.)

Preheat the grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (high). Remove the meat from the refrigerator; allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while the grill heats up.
Place the steak on the grill and cook for 7 minutes per side for medium.
Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 3 minutes so the juices can redistribute, then slice into thin strips against the grain.
Place 2 cups salad onto each serving plate and top with 3 ounces cooked beef.


Serving Size: Makes 4 servings; 2 cups salad and 3 ounces beef per person.

Member Ratings For This Recipe


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    8 of 10 people found this review helpful
    Commenting on the soaking onions for ten-minutes to remove some of their "bite" - save that water by freezing it for later use in soup & stews.

    God bless all!

    Ima
    - 8/27/12

    Reply from CHEF_MEG (3/25/13)
    Great Idea!
    Chef Meg



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    Very Good
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    Both lemons & limes will help make your meat tender and very flavorful. This is a great marinade not only for flank steak, but any kind of cheaper meat. It will tenderize it so that you'll think you're eating sirloin. Fantastic marinade! - 8/27/12


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    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    We really enjoyed this recipe. We didn't add couscous and used a lower grade steak. The dressing was great! - 9/12/12


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    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    This was amazing. I did not alter anything, followed the recipe as exact. Thanks!!! - 9/12/12


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    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I was so happy to have a dressing for the couscous that tastes great thanks Pat in Maine. - 8/27/12