Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of perfectly cooked flank steak, a vibrant spinach sauce, and sweet, crunchy corn. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to recreate this mouthwatering meal, step by step.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
This steak with spinach sauce and corn is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The juicy, tender flank steak serves as the perfect base, while the creamy spinach sauce, with its hints of garlic and spices, adds a refreshing contrast. In addition to the steak, the sweetness of the corn adds a pleasant crunch, making every bite satisfying.
Not only is this dish extraordinarily delicious, but it’s also relatively easy and quick to make. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy, packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach and corn. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or as a hearty weekend meal.
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Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring juicy flank steak, a creamy spinach-garlic sauce, sweet corn, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s a wholesome meal that balances protein, veggies, and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn on the cob or 2 cups cooked corn kernels
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 large clove garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound flank steak
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Lemon juice, red pepper flakes, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini
Instructions
- Cook the corn: Boil or grill the corn on the cob until tender, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using pre-cooked corn kernels, warm them up and set aside.
- Prepare the spinach sauce: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Transfer to a blender or food processor along with balsamic vinegar, cumin, chili powder, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the steak: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness is reached. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the plate: Spoon the spinach sauce onto each plate, top with sliced steak and a portion of corn. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and garnish with fresh herbs. Add red pepper flakes or roasted veggies if desired.
Notes
- Resting the steak is key to locking in the juices—don’t skip it!
- Blending the spinach sauce while warm helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- For extra richness, stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream into the sauce before blending.
- Can be made with skirt steak or sirloin as substitutes for flank steak.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: steak with spinach sauce, corn and steak dinner, healthy flank steak recipe, spinach garlic sauce, feta steak plate
Ingredients You’ll Need for Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
Essential Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, gather the following essential ingredients:
- Corn: You can use either 3 ears of corn on the cob or 2 cups of cooked corn kernels.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: You will need 5 oz of fresh baby spinach, which is the star of the sauce.
- Garlic: One large clove of garlic will infuse the sauce with amazing flavor.
- Olive Oil: Three tablespoons of olive oil are required, divided for use in the sauce and steak preparation.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar adds a pleasant tang.
- Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin for warmth.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder for a mild kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
- Flank Steak: You will need one pound of flank steak, which is lean and flavorful.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground to taste for seasoning.
- Feta Cheese: Four ounces of crumbled feta cheese to top the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: You can garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Optional Add-Ons
While the recipe as it stands is delicious, you might want to customize it further with the following optional ingredients:
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will brighten up the spinach sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit more heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Other Veggies: Roasted bell peppers or zucchini could be added to the plate for extra color and flavor.
How to Make Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this tasty dish is not only easy but also fun. Here’s how to make it, step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Start by boiling the corn. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Once the water is boiling, add the corn. Let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. The corn should become tender but still crunchy. After cooking, drain the corn and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Sauce
While the corn is boiling, you can prepare the spinach sauce. Take a food processor and add the fresh baby spinach, the large clove of garlic, three tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Pulse the ingredients until they blend into a smooth sauce. Check the consistency and adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Once it’s ready, set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Flank Steak
Now it’s time to focus on the steak. First, season the flank steak with one teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Using your hands, rub the seasoning evenly over the meat.
In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned flank steak. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer it more cooked, you can leave it on the pan for a couple of extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook; flank steak can become tough if cooked too long.
Step 4: Slice and Reheat the Steak
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. After resting, slice the steak against the grain. This will ensure the meat remains tender.
Return the sliced steak to the skillet with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it gently for a minute, just to warm it back up.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To plate your dish, divide the slices of flank steak and corn equally among your plates. Drizzle the spinach sauce generously over the steak. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick, and finish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a splash of color and enhanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
This dish is a meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by pairing it with some delightful sides. Here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: A light garden salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the steak and sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the leftover spinach sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, complements the steak beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
Choose Quality Meat: Opt for grass-fed flank steak if possible; it has a better flavor and texture.
Rest the Steak: Allowing the meat to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute, keeping the steak juicy.
Keep the Sauce Fresh: Use fresh spinach for the best taste and nutritional value.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to taste and adjust the spinach sauce seasoning to match your preferences.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, you might find it helpful to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare.
Easy Variations for Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
While the original recipe is fantastic, consider these easy variations to keep things interesting:
- Different Proteins: Instead of flank steak, try using chicken breast or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Sauce: Add a chopped jalapeño or other hot pepper to the spinach sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or ricotta can be used instead for creaminess.
- Grilled Corn: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the corn instead of boiling it.
Storage Tips to Store Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will, given how delicious this meal is), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store the steak, spinach sauce, and corn in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They will last up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the steak for up to 3 months. However, the spinach sauce is best used fresh, as freezing can change its texture.
- Reheating: When ready to eat leftovers, reheat the steak gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying it out, and warm the sauce separately.
Conclusion
Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn is a delectable dish that combines hearty meat with vibrant vegetables and zesty flavors. It’s simple to prepare yet feels special enough for any occasion. With the guidance of this recipe, you can create a beautiful plate that will make your taste buds dance with joy. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy a cooking adventure that leads to a fantastic meal!
FAQs About Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn
Can I substitute the flank steak?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even plant-based options like tofu or hearty mushrooms like portobello.
Can I make the spinach sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal during the week.
What should I serve with this dish?
Consider a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a nice loaf of crusty bread.
Can I make the dish spicier?
Of course! You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a jalapeño to the spinach sauce to ramp up the heat.
With these details, you now have everything you need to successfully create and enjoy a delicious Steak with Spinach Sauce and Corn. Happy cooking!
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