A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  

A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is bursting with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.    

To enter to win a copy of To the Last Bite, simply leave a comment below by May 25, 2022!  

 

When I shared this simple, endlessly versatile recipe for Everyday Green Salad, I mentioned how much I enjoyed testing a variety of Alexis deBoschnek’s recipes as she was writing her debut cookbook, To the Last Bite

One of the many ways my family and I have been enjoying that fresh-tasting salad is as an accompaniment to another recipe graciously shared by Alexis–a marinated steak that is as utterly easy to prepare as it is lip-smackingly good.

The key is a simple marinade, which delivers memorable flavor in as little as one hour. A longer soak is fine. Conveniently, the actual cooking time is short–about 10 minutes–making the recipe easy enough for busy-night dinners yet 200% worthy of company. 

The vibrant romesco sauce lends visual appeal and complementary flavor, although the steak will be delicious without. (Do check out the many ways you can enjoy the Romesco Sauce though. I’ve made it countless times and always seem to find new ways to use it.)

And because the steak may be cooked on the stovetop or grill, you can reach for this recipe all year round. Going into the summer months, it’s a natural pick for effortless entertaining–simply pair with corn on the cob or potato salad and a tossed or Caprese salad. In the colder months, Roasted Potatoes Bites or Perfectly Baked Potatoes and a green vegetable of choice will complete the meal.

 

What cut of beef is the best for pan searing and grilling?

Alexis’s choice is hanger steak, as reflected in the recipe title. I often use flank and flatiron steaks when marinating and grilling. Skirt steak and ribeye are excellent choices as well. Because they are leaner cuts of beef, all will be more tender when cooked no further than medium rare and cut across the grain.

Keep a quick-read thermometer on hand to check the steak for doneness. This truly is the best way to ensure a perfect outcome

Can the steak marinate longer than one hour?

I have let the steak marinate the better part of the day, and the flavor becomes more intense (in a good way). In that case, however, I’d go slightly scant on the salt if not using a low-sodium soy sauce so that the end result does not taste too salty. 

When marinating for longer than one hour, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to allow the meat to come to room temperature. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.

Is it better to cook the steak on the grill or on the stovetop? 

This comes down to personal preference. Stovetop cooking offers year round convenience and provides a great option for those who don’t have a grill. The grill, however, makes for easier cleanup, as there is no skillet to scrub. 

A note on salt: I use Morton Kosher salt because it is more widely available than Diamond Kosher, another popular brand. Alexis uses the latter, and she uses 3 teaspoons of salt in the steak marinade because Diamond has bigger flakes, meaning less salt in a teaspoon.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The romesco has no gluten-containing ingredients. The steak will be gluten-free if a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari is used.

Can you use the easy marinade on anything else?

I recently tried the marinade with chicken when cooking for friends who prefer poultry to beef. I let boneless, skinless breasts steep most of the day, grilled them, and then served with the romesco sauce on the side. The flavor was lovely and the reviews were stellar. 

A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  
To marinade the steak, use a baking dish just large enough to hold it. You can combine the short list of marinade ingredients right in the dish.
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  
Flip the steak to coat it on both sides. When ready to cook, hold the steak over the dish to let the excess marinade drip off.
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  
You may cook the steak on the stovetop or a grill. The latter approach adds a little extra smoky flavor and makes one less pan to wash, but either way, the steak cooks in about 10 minutes. The best way to properly gauge doneness is to use a quick-read thermometer. I like to cook to 140℉ for a medium rare steak.
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  
Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain. 
A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  
The romesco sauce offers a lovely extra – so good for dipping roasted potatoes too – but the steak is absolutely delicious without.

Remember to enter to win a copy of To the Last Bite by leaving a comment below. And if you make this recipe, please come back and leave a review! 

A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is BURSTING with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.  

Marinated Hanger Steak

A simple but well constructed marinade produces a steak that is bursting with flavor, whether grilled or cooked on the stovetop. The vibrant sauce is optional but endlessly versatile.    
Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) low sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ - pounds hanger steak (may substitute rib eye, flank, flatiron, or skirt steak)
  • If cooking on the stovetop: 1 tablespoon grapeseed, avocado, or olive oil
  • Optional for serving: Romesco sauce (recipe follows)

Instructions

  1. In a baking dish just large enough to hold the steak, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. On a cutting board, pat the hanger steak dry with paper towels. Place the hanger steak in the marinade, flip it over, and use your hands or a spoon to coat it well. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for one hour. (Tip: You may marinate up to all day. In that case, refrigerate and then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.)
  2. If cooking on the stovetop: Heat the oil in a 12- to 14- skillet over high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the steak in the pan and cook without moving until charred, about 5 minutes. Flip the steak over with tongs and continue cooking for 4 minutes more or until the internal temperature of the steak reaches 140˚F. (Helpful hints: This will be pink but not raw in the middle. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary slightly based on precise thickness of steak and whether other cuts are substituted. A quick read thermometer is the best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.)
  3. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with romesco. (Although it’s delicious all on its own too!)
  4. If grilling: Preheat the grill to high. When the grill is hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium rare. For a little extra flavor, you may brush the steak occasionally with the excess marinade. When the internal temperature reaches 140˚F (medium rare), remove the steak from the grill.

A Spanish sauce that's traditionally served with fish, this gorgeous romesco enhances anything it touches and keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

Romesco Sauce

A Spanish sauce that's traditionally served with fish, this gorgeous romesco enhances anything it touches and keeps in the fridge for at least two weeks. Beyond fish, enjoy it on steak, chicken, roasted potatoes, and as a sandwich spread.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups/16 ounces

Ingredients

  • 4 red bell peppers or 1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained well
  • 3 tablespoons 46(ml) olive oil, divided use
  • ½ cup (57g) roughly chopped or slivered almonds (may substitute walnuts)
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (16g) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika)
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) sherry vinegar

Instructions

  1. To make the romesco: Transfer the peppers to a food processor, along with the nuts, garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and sherry vinegar, and process on high speed until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. With the motor running, drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until incorporated. The romesco will keep in an airtight container for at least 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  2. If roasting your own peppers: (If using jarred roasted peppers, proceed straight to making the romesco.) Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Place the red peppers on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes, then flip over with tongs.
  3. Continue roasting for another 30 minutes, or until the peppers are collapsing into themselves with wrinkling skin. When done, remove from the oven and let the peppers cool until easy to handle. Once cooled, pull off the pepper stems along with the seeds and discard. Separate the skin from the flesh of the pepper and discard, scooping out any rogue seeds along the way. (Tip: Though it may be tempting, don't rinse, as good flavor will wash away.)

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20 responses to “Hanger Steak with Romesco Sauce”

  1. Dennis Markley Avatar
    Dennis Markley

    Ann: I made this marinated hanger steak for my Memorial Day cookout, and it was a huge hit, thanks! Very flavorful marinade, and I left it marinate for about 3 hours. I sliced and served the steak with a chimichurri sauce instead of the Romesco. The few slices I had left were delicious the next day over a big salad! This recipe is a keeper!

    1. Hi Dennis, I’m so glad the steak was a success and appreciate your kind feedback!

  2. Thank you Ann, for another winner. Any steak would be superb marinated this way and the romesco sauce is truly the frosting on the cake, so to speak. Steak is an occasional treat in our house so I’ll be keeping an eye out for hanger steak, or one of the other varieties when I grocery shop. Can’t wait to try it!

    1. Thanks for your comment Pat! Enjoy!

  3. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I am anxious to try Romesco Sauce. Sounds delicious and easy. I really like the Everyday Salad. The dressing makes simple greens and a few tomatoes a real treat.

    1. So happy you like the Everyday Salad, Susan, and I’m delighted the romesco is on your list. It’s a keeper!

  4. Alexis Avatar
    Alexis

    This looks delish! Perfect with grilled potatoes and asparagus. It’s on the menu this week-thanks!

    1. Enjoy every bite!

  5. These recipes look amazing. I will have to try the steak and roasted sauce.

    1. Thank you for your comment, Hope. The steak and sauce won’t disappoint!

  6. Sara Bremner Avatar
    Sara Bremner

    Hi Ann, please enter me into the cookbook drawing.
    I hope you and your family are doing well and as always give you mon and dad a hug for me. Hearts!

    1. Hi Sara! You are entered and I will absolutely give them a hug from you. They are doing well and I hope you and your family are too! xo

  7. Lynn Peters Avatar
    Lynn Peters

    Let the grilling season begin!

  8. Jenn Barley Avatar
    Jenn Barley

    This looks amazing! Always looking for new ways to make steaks #starrockfarms and not really familiar with Romesco. Can’t wait to try it!

    1. Oh my gosh, Jenn! You have such a fabulous source for this!

  9. Sherry Wright Avatar
    Sherry Wright

    Ann,
    I am looking forward to making this in the next few nights but I need a little clarification on the storage of the Romesco marinade/sauce. In the intro to the recipe it says you can store the marinade for up to 2 weeks. However, in the notes “To make the romesco…” it says you can store it up to 5 days. Thanks for clarifying!

    I love all of your recipes and appreciate that you’ve made them yourself many times to accommodate different dietary needs. Each recipe I’ve made has been delicious, highly praised and a true keeper. Thanks for your dedication and in finding great recipe books to work from. I am looking forward to seeing more of Alexis deBoschnek’s recipes!

    1. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Sherry, and for drawing attention to the storage question. As I made the romesco over time, I realized that it kept for far longer than 5 days. Somehow I missed that update in the recipe card, so I just made the change. I actually saved a small amount of a recent batch to really test its longevity and hit three weeks before the container was found. That said, I feel it’s safer to guarantee two weeks. Hope that helps!

  10. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Last week I was gifted a Wyoming ranch grass fed beef hanger steak, wish I could have tried this out. This marinade sounds delicious. We’ve never tried the Romesco Sauce, but I think I would love it.

    1. What a lovely gift, Carol, and definitely don’t hesitate to try this marinade on other cuts, like a flank or flatiron.