Description
A quick and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seared sirloin steak served with charred red bell peppers, fresh pesto, and soft flatbread. This recipe highlights simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques to deliver a satisfying and elegant dish ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Vegetables
- 2 x 10oz (300g) sirloin beef steak, 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, preferably high quality
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola), divided
- 1 red bell pepper (capsicum), deseeded, halved and sliced into strips
- Salt and pepper, to season
Accompaniments
- Pesto, preferably homemade (see notes)
- Flatbreads (see recipe for Easy Soft Flatbread, no yeast required)
Instructions
- Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes in warm or hot conditions, or up to an hour if the environment is cooler. This step ensures even cooking.
- Season the Steaks: Just before cooking, generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Place 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-based frying pan and heat over high heat until the oil starts to smoke, signaling the pan is hot enough for searing.
- Cook the Steaks: Lay the steaks carefully into the hot pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side to achieve medium-rare doneness. Refer to the notes for adjusting cooking times based on preferred doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Transfer the steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: While the steaks rest, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper strips and cook, stirring occasionally until they are nicely charred.
- Serve: Serve the rested steaks topped with the charred bell peppers. Accompany with fresh pesto and soft flatbreads on the side to complete the meal.
Notes
- For homemade pesto, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Adjust steak cooking times to preference: 1-2 minutes per side for rare, 2-3 minutes for medium rare, and longer for more well-done.
- Bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking prevents uneven cooking and cold centers.
- Use a heavy-based frying pan or cast iron skillet for optimal searing.
- Soft flatbreads can be prepared ahead of time or purchased from a store.
