Coffee-Marinated Flank Fajitas with Pico De Gallo
Try this Coffee-Marinated Flank Fajitas with Pico De Gallo recipe
Try this Coffee-Marinated Flank Fajitas with Pico De Gallo recipe
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- salt
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- juice from one lime
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 cups diced tomato (i used red and yellow)
- 3 seeded and minced jalapeã±os (mine were mild—adjust
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds flank steak
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons ground chili (see headnote on chili powder)
- olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper
- sour cream and tortillas to serve
- Carbohydrate 16.2479339813562 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.242982291736725 g
- Fiber 0.997183355506552 g
- Protein 0.905911250056473 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0826088541954239 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (177g)
- Sodium 10.6275104280435 mg
- Sugar 15.2507506258496 g
- Trans Fat 0.0304327916684531 g
- Calories 67 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix all ingredients together, add a pinch of salt, stir, and taste.
- Put it in the fridge for a while then stir and taste for salt again.
- Whisk together the coffee, molasses, garlic, cumin, 2 teaspoons salt, and chilis.
- Score your flank steak on both sides with a shallow criss-cross pattern.
- Marinate the flank steak for 3 to 4 hours in the coffee mixture.
- Heat your grill to high heat (or, if you don't have a grill, you could broil or sear in a big, hot, preferably iron skillet).
- Remove the flank steak from the marinade and gently pat it dry.
- Season with just a bit more salt and a good amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Now rub it all over with olive oil.
- Grill the steak until desired doneness.
- Rest your steak for several minutes.
- When you are ready to serve, slice the flank across the grain (the short way), and wrap 2 to 3 slices in a tortilla with a good dollop each of pico and sour cream.
- Dig in!
Coffee-Marinated Flank Fajitas: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present pressure to put something nutritious (and hopefully appealing!) on the table. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with recipes that are both flavorful and quick, and these Coffee-Marinated Flank Fajitas absolutely hit the spot. Forget takeout – this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The unexpected coffee marinade adds a depth of flavor that elevates the simple flank steak to something truly special. It's a recipe that's surprisingly simple, yet always impresses, even the pickiest eaters in my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The marinade, a blend of coffee, molasses, garlic, and spices, is incredibly easy to whip up. I usually prepare it in the morning before heading off to work, allowing the steak to soak up all those wonderful flavors throughout the day. Then, when dinner time rolls around, it's a quick grilling or pan-searing process, followed by a satisfying rest. The resulting steak is incredibly tender and flavorful, with a subtle sweetness from the molasses that perfectly balances the richness of the coffee. The vibrant pico de gallo adds a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the rich steak, while the soft tortillas provide the perfect vessel for this flavor explosion.
This recipe isn’t just about the delicious food; it's about making the most of my precious time. The prep is minimal, the cooking is fast, and the cleanup is surprisingly easy. That leaves me with more time to spend with my family, which is far more valuable than anything else. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in our home, a go-to meal that always delivers on taste and convenience. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and even on the busiest of nights, I know I can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing precious family time. It’s become more than just a recipe; it's a testament to how delicious and easy weeknight dinners can be.
Beyond the Basics:
This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different chili powders to adjust the heat level to your liking. For a smokier flavor, try adding a touch of chipotle powder. If you're not a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute it with parsley or even omit it altogether. The same goes for the jalapeños; use as many or as few as you prefer. I've even been known to add a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
Serving Suggestions:
While the combination of the coffee-marinated flank steak and pico de gallo is simply irresistible on its own, there are countless ways to elevate this dish. Serve it alongside some fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple side salad. I often pair it with some grilled corn on the cob, adding a touch of sweetness and smoky char to complement the savory fajitas. And, of course, no fajita night is complete without a generous helping of sour cream or guacamole.
Making it Ahead:
One of the reasons this recipe is such a lifesaver is because much of the preparation can be done ahead of time. The marinade can be made in advance, and the pico de gallo can be prepared a day or two before serving. This allows you to simply grill or sear the steak when you’re ready, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
A Weeknight Staple:
In the world of busy lifestyles, finding quick, delicious, and healthy meals can be a challenge. This recipe is my answer to that challenge. It’s a recipe that has earned its place as a weeknight staple in our home, a delicious and easy meal that never fails to impress. It's a recipe I'm happy to share, knowing it will bring joy and satisfaction to your kitchen, just as it has to mine. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the delicious magic of coffee-marinated flank steak.
Enjoy!
