Introduction to Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Are you a young professional seeking quick, delicious weeknight meals that make you feel like a gourmet chef? Look no further than Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. This vibrant dish is both satisfying and impressive, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself after a long day at work.
Why Grilled Skirt Steak is Perfect for Young Professionals
Skirt steak is undoubtedly a standout choice for busy lives. Its quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors from marinades make it a go-to for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, its tender texture boosts any meal into something special. Pair it with a refreshing lemon herb couscous salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s as colorful as it is nutritious!
The couscous salad is packed with fresh ingredients, infusing every bite with zest and crunch. Did you know that couscous is not only a convenient side, but it’s also a source of protein and fiber? This makes it a healthy base for your delectable steak.
For more tips on quick weeknight dinners, check out Thoughtful Cooking, a fantastic resource for busy individuals looking to elevate their kitchen skills. By adding this recipe to your repertoire, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a sumptuous meal that feels like an indulgence without the fuss!
Ingredients for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Essential ingredients for the steak
To create the beautifully marinated skirt steak, you'll need a handful of flavorful components. Gather the following:
- ½ cup olive oil: This provides richness and helps tenderize the meat.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and adds zest.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity of the lemon with a touch of sweetness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth and richness.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: For a tangy kick that complements the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb flavor.
- 1 ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
- 1 ½ lbs skirt steak: The star of the dish, known for its tenderness when grilled.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): For finishing touches.
Ingredients for the couscous salad
Next up is the Lemon Herb Couscous Salad—this light and refreshing side pairs perfectly with the steak. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup dry Israeli couscous: The base of the salad, offering a delightful texture.
- 1 mini cucumber, chopped: Adds crunch and freshness.
- 4 scallions, chopped: For a mild onion flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped: An aromatic herb that brightens the dish.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Introduces color and earthiness.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta: Optional, but it adds a creamy tang.
By combining these delicious ingredients, you’ll create a meal that’s not just satisfying but also bursting with flavor! For more inspiration on marinades, check out Serious Eats and Bon Appétit for expert tips.
Preparing Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
When it comes to a delicious, effortless dinner, Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad hits all the right notes. This dish combines tender steak and a refreshing salad that’s sure to impress your friends or elevate your weeknight meals. Let’s break down how to prepare this delightful plate step-by-step.
Whisk the marinade and marinate the steak
Start by creating a mouthwatering marinade that serves as the foundation for your skirt steak. In a bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
- A few cracks of black pepper
Take your steak (1 ½ lbs of skirt steak) and place it in a shallow dish. Pour half of this aromatic marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature, or up to two hours in the refrigerator. This time allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Cook the couscous to perfection
While the steak is soaking up those tasty flavors, it’s time to prepare the lemon herb couscous. Cook 1 cup of dry Israeli couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. This step is crucial to prevent the couscous from clumping together.
Assemble the couscous salad
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the remaining marinade, chopped cucumber, scallions, dill, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preferences—this salad is all about freshness! Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate the salad until you’re ready to serve.
Preheat the grill and cook the steak
Now comes the exciting part—grilling! Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat (about 450° to 500°F). Once it’s hot, put your skirt steak on the grill. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare is best for skirt steak). Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
Serve and enjoy!
Plate your sliced grilled skirt steak next to a generous helping of lemon herb couscous salad. Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, elevating the whole experience. This meal is perfect for summer dining with family or friends, and the flavors are sure to be a hit. Bon appétit!
Variations on Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Grilled Veggie Couscous Salad
Enhance the Lemon Herb Couscous Salad by adding colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Simply toss them onto the grill alongside the skirt steak for a vibrant, nutritious twist. The char from the grill will infuse the veggies with flavor, creating a delightful complement to the steak's savory notes. Plus, you can even swap the couscous for fluffy quinoa for a gluten-free option!
Alternative Protein Options for the Steak
If you're looking to switch things up or cater to different diets, consider using alternative proteins. Chicken breast marinated in the same zesty mixture is a fantastic option, offering a juicy flavor without the beef. Another excellent substitute is grilled salmon, which pairs beautifully with the lemon herb couscous salad and adds healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Tempeh or firm tofu can also absorb the marinade wonderfully, providing a plant-based protein that's as satisfying as the steak.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Tips for Perfect Grill Marks
For those sought-after grill marks, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the skirt steak on it. Avoid flipping the steak too soon; give it about 3-4 minutes on one side to develop those beautiful char marks. For an even better effect, try rotating the steak 90 degrees halfway through cooking for a professional touch. And remember: patience pays off!
Ensuring the Couscous is Fluffy
To achieve fluffy couscous in your Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, don’t skip the rinsing step after cooking. This rinses away excess starch that could make your couscous sticky. Allow it to drain well, then toss it with a touch of olive oil or the remaining marinade, ensuring each grain is separate and delightful. Enjoy the lightness of a perfectly prepared side!
For more tips on grilling, check out Grilling for Beginners and elevate your outdoor cooking experience!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Pairing with refreshing sides
When serving Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad, consider refreshing sides that enhance the meal. A light arugula salad topped with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully, while grilled seasonal vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, add great colors and flavors. Fancy a bit of crunch? Try some homemade pita chips with tzatziki for dipping.
Great accompaniments for summer evenings
This dish shines during summer evenings! Complement it with a cool fruit salad featuring watermelon and mint for a splash of sweetness. You might also want to serve a sparkling lemonade or a refreshing iced herbal tea to balance the rich flavors of the steak. These suggestions ensure a vibrant and satisfying dining experience, perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Time Breakdown for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Preparation time
Getting your ingredients ready is a breeze with this recipe. You’ll need about 10 minutes to gather and prep everything.
Cooking time
Once you’re set, cooking the Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad takes around 15 minutes. While the steak sizzles, you can throw together the couscous salad.
Total time
In total, you’re looking at 55 minutes from start to finish. About half of that is marinating time, which is hands-off! This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoying a delicious homemade meal has never been easier!
For those who love grilled dishes, this recipe is a must-try. Want more inspiration? Check out sites like Food Network for a variety of delicious grilling ideas!
Nutritional Facts for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Calories
A satisfying serving of the Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad contains approximately 511 calories. This makes it a wholesome choice for a fulfilling dinner without going overboard.
Protein
This delectable dish packs in about 34 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent option for those looking to boost their protein intake. Skirt steak is not only flavorful but a great source of lean protein.
Sodium
With a sodium content of around 982 mg, it's wise to enjoy this meal in moderation, especially if you're watching your salt intake. Balancing your meal with fresh vegetables or a side salad can help keep sodium levels in check.
Ready to enjoy this delicious dish? For more tips on maintaining a balanced diet, check out resources from the USDA on healthy eating.
FAQs about Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is a favorite for its flavor and tenderness, you can easily swap it for other cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the grill!
How long can I store the salad?
The Lemon Herb Couscous Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice to freshen it up!
What are some good substitutes for couscous?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using quinoa, bulgur, or orzo for a delightful twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture, keeping your Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad exciting every time you make it. For a gluten-free option, go with quinoa, which is packed with protein and nutrients.
Feel free to explore these options based on your preferences! If you're interested in more details on couscous alternatives, check out this informative resource.
Conclusion on Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Bringing together the rich flavors of grilled skirt steak and the refreshing zest of lemon herb couscous salad makes for a delightful meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Equipment
- grill
- mixing bowl
- colander
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
- Flaky sea salt optional
Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
- 1 cup dry Israeli couscous
- 1 mini cucumber chopped
- 4 scallions chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or non-dairy alternative
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, salt and black pepper. Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish and pour over half the marinade, turning the pieces so they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for 30-45 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before grilling.
- While the steak marinates, cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Drain the couscous into a colander, rinse under cold water to fully cool, let drain, and pat dry. Toss with the remaining marinade, cucumber, scallions, dill, parsley and feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 450°-500° F). Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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