My personal FAVORITE!
Chris Schlesinger's Grilled Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Chipotle-Honey Sauce
Source: Beef for All Seasons
Serves 4
Chris Schlesinger is the owner of the acclaimed East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the author of several cookbooks, most notably on the fine art of grilling and on salsas. His Inner Beauty line of hot sauces and spice rubs is popular with heat aficionados. In this mouthwatering recipe, Chris uses the less tender flank steak because he finds it so flavorful, and he tenderizes it by using a marinade.
For Steak and Marinade:
2 1/2 pounds flank steak, choice grade
1 canned chipotle chile, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/4 cup vegetable oil
10 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 5 limes)
For Sauce:
3 canned chipotle chiles, pureed
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown mustard
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
4 slices crusty French bread, cut at an angle
TO MARINATE STEAK: Place the steak in a large dish or baking pan. Mix together the chipotle, garlic, cilantro, vegetable oil, and lime juice in a bowl and pour over the steak. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours, turning occasionally. Prepare the grill.
FOR SAUCE: Combine the chipotles, honey, peanut oil, vinegar, mustard, lime juice, garlic, and cumin in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
TO PREPARE STEAK: Remove the steak and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, 7 minutes on each side for medium, or to the desired doneness. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 4 minutes. With a sharp knife, thinly slice the steak across the grain and at a sharp angle.
TO SERVE: Serve the steak on top of a slice of the French bread and accompany each serving with several tablespoons of the sauce.
WINE RECOMMENDATION: Try a Spanish red wine such as Rioja or a Gamay Beaujolais from California.
HELPFUL TIPS: The acid from the lime juice and vinegar in the sauce complements the charred flavor of the meat very well; however, take care not to marinate the steak for longer than 4 to 6 hours as the acid will "cook" the steak, causing it to turn gray in color.