Sofrito-Marinated Steak

Sofrito-Marinated Steak Recipe - Caribbean Cuisine

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 16 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sofrito-Marinated Steak is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of the sofrito marinade with the juicy flank steak creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Sofrito is a traditional Spanish sauce made with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs. It is commonly used as a base for many dishes, adding depth and flavor to the final product. In this recipe, the sofrito is used as a marinade for the steak, infusing it with a rich and aromatic taste.

Ingredients

1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (cored and seeded)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (cored and seeded)
1 bunch cilantro or flat leaf parsley
6 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 lb (454 g) flank steak, scored on both sides

How to prepare

To make the sofrito, blend onion, bell peppers, cilantro, and garlic in a food processor. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread 1 cup of the sofrito over the flank steak, ensuring it gets into the scored crevices. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-3 hours is recommended.
Prepare the grill or broiler. Grill or broil the meat to your desired doneness, approximately 8 minutes per side for medium rare.
Let the meat stand for 5 minutes, then slice.
Refrigerate or freeze the remaining sofrito to use in another dish. It pairs well with sautéed chicken.

Variations

You can use different cuts of steak, such as skirt steak or ribeye, for this recipe.
Add some heat to the sofrito marinade by including a jalapeno or red pepper flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to score the flank steak on both sides to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.

- Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate it for 2-3 hours.

- Grill or broil the steak to your desired doneness, but be careful not to overcook it as flank steak can become tough if cooked too long.

- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sofrito-Marinated Steak with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the steak is the best way to cook it for this recipe, as it adds a smoky flavor to the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have flank steak, you can use skirt steak or sirloin steak instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sofrito marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the steak thinly and arrange it on a platter with a drizzle of the remaining sofrito marinade on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Sofrito-Marinated Steak with a glass of red wine, such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 90% DV

- Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and onion, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Sofrito-Marinated Steak is a balanced meal with a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sofrito-Marinated Steak is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful marinade and juicy steak, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sofrito-Marinated Steak. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Puerto Rico with my abuela. She was a master in the kitchen, and I loved to watch her cook, soaking up all her knowledge like a sponge.

One day, while rummaging through an old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed card with the title "Sofrito-Marinated Steak" scrawled across the top in my abuela's elegant handwriting. Intrigued, I asked her about it, and she smiled knowingly, telling me that it was a family recipe passed down for generations.

She explained that sofrito was a blend of aromatic herbs and vegetables used as a base in many Puerto Rican dishes, adding depth and flavor to the marinade. She showed me how to make it, chopping onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes before sautéing them in a generous amount of olive oil until they were soft and fragrant.

As the sofrito simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, my abuela taught me the importance of patience in cooking. She said that the longer the sofrito cooked, the more intense the flavors would become, infusing the meat with its rich, savory essence.

Once the sofrito was ready, my abuela marinated the steak in a mixture of citrus juices, herbs, and spices, letting it sit for hours to soak up all the delicious flavors. When it was time to cook, she seared the steak to perfection, creating a caramelized crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.

The first bite of that Sofrito-Marinated Steak was a revelation. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my palate. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a link to my past and a connection to my abuela.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time tweaking and adjusting it to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of sofrito-marinated steak to the next generation. And though my abuela is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every dish I create, her love and passion for cooking shining through in every bite.

As I stand in my kitchen now, preparing the sofrito-marinated steak for a family dinner, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The sights, the smells, the tastes of my childhood come rushing back, reminding me of the woman who taught me the magic of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And as I sit down at the table with my family, savoring each mouthful of that tender, flavorful steak, I know that my abuela is there with us in spirit, her presence felt in every bite. And I am grateful for the gift she gave me, not just of a recipe, but of a love for food and family that will endure for generations to come.