Flank Steak rubbed with a blend of Indian spices and grilled, then topped with a lemony cilantro pesto including crushed salted pistachios. So good, so easy!
I’ve been on an Indian food kick lately. I really dig the combination of exotic spices — they awaken my mouth and make my taste buds really happy. I also really like steak. I was always excited to have steak for dinner growing-up. I remember standing by my mom as she carved it and snicking a couple of pieces, making sure it was fit for dinner. Steak, even a good flank steak, isn’t my husband’s first choice for dinner — he would much rather have ground beef, but when I saw flank steak on sale the other day I just couldn’t resist. So many things can be done with it.
A flank steak can be marinated and grilled, a flank steak can be butterflied, stuffed and rolled to make pinwheels or even rouladen, or a pocket can be sliced into the side of a flank steak to be stuffed with all kinds of delicious things. I like it all ways, but this Indian spiced flank steak rocked my world this week.
My inspiration for this dish was an Indian beef curry. I lifted the spice ingredients and tweaked them a bit, creating a rub for the flank steak. Cilantro and lemon were included in the curry, too, as well as coconut milk. I chose to use the cilantro and lemon juice in a pesto and decided to substitute pistachios for the richness of the coconut milk. It’s a nice change, and instead of standing in front of a hot stove or turning on the oven in the heat of the Summer, grilling was the perfect option. I confess, I really enjoy taking a recipe and doing something unexpected with it — like I did with this Indian Spiced Flank Steak.
I hope you enjoy it.
Indian Spiced Flank Steak with a Cilantro Pistachio Pesto is 2 net carbs per serving
Indian Spiced Flank Steak with a Cilantro Pistachio Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure ground chile pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
Cilantro Pistachio Pesto
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoons erythritol
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted pistachio nuts finely chopped
Instructions
- Rub both sides of the flank steak with oil.
- Prepare the spice rub and sprinkle half over one side of the flank steak, then rub into the steak with your fingers. Do the same on the other side.
- Preheat the grill, clean and oil the grates.
- Cook the flank steak on high, covered for 1 minute. Lift the lid and cook 4 minutes uncovered. Flip the steak over and again cook covered for 1 minute. Lift the lid and cook for 5 more minutes. Check for done-ness and move the steak to a serving platter. Let rest at least 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, fInely chop the pistachios, measure 1/4 cup and place in a small bowl. Finely chop the cilantro, measure 1/3 cup and add to the pistachios. Add the rest of the pesto ingredients and stir until sweetener dissolves. It should taste sweet and sour and nutty.
- Cut the steak across the grain. Spoon the cilantro pistachio pesto over the steak or serve on the side.
Hi! Looks delicious! I was wondering if you had any low carb side dish recommendations to go with this?
Thanks.
Hi Disna, I meant to make a cauliflower biriani but never did. I do have a nice roasted vegetable masala – green beans, mushrooms and cauliflower mixed in tomato sauce and Indian sauces. Grilled veggies mixed with butter and curry powder after cooking might be nice. I’ll have to work on my Indian veggie sides. I hope you enjoy the recipe. -Kim
My wife and I made this a couple days ago and it was delicious. The rub is something that I’ll try on other meat, because it smelled and looked like some of the commercial ones I’ve tried, but I know exactly what went into this one. The pesto with a hint of sweetness was delightful. Will surely make it again!
Tallguy, I am so happy you guys liked it. That rub was seriously good, Indian spices rock! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a good week! -Kim
Ahh, this is delicious, I love food with indian spices! Need to make this recipe :D
Hi, Shanna. Thank you so much. I love Indian spices! Love your blog and beautiful photographs! -Kim