If you’re craving a bold, flavorful meal that feels both fresh and indulgent, the Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish offers tender, juicy steaks marinated to perfection and paired with a vibrant green sauce packed with herbs, garlic, and a zesty kick that brightens each bite. It’s a fantastic combination of smoky, savory, and tangy elements that come together effortlessly, making any dinner feel special without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple, well-chosen ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each component enhances the dish’s layers, whether it’s the rich marinated steak or the punchy, fresh green sauce that ties everything together.
- Steak: Any cut can work, but thin pieces like ribeye are preferred for quick, even grilling and the best tenderness.
- Black peppercorns: Crushed fresh to add a deep, spicy warmth right in the marinade.
- Garlic cloves: Used both in the marinade and sauce for that irresistible aromatic foundation.
- Soy sauce and oyster sauce: Deliver umami richness and salty depth that enrich the steak’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances savory elements and lifts brightness in both marinade and sauce.
- Lime juice: Adds zesty acidity to brighten the meat and freshen the green sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth mouthfeel and helps bind the flavors together.
- Green chilies or jalapeño: Bring a gentle heat and complexity to the garlicky green sauce.
- Cilantro: Adds herbaceous vibrancy that makes the green sauce sing with freshness.
- Shallot: Offers a mild onion sweetness to round out the sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every element, ensuring an irresistible balance of flavors.
How to Make Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by transforming simple spices and condiments into a deeply flavorful marinade. Crush the black peppercorns to release their aroma, then mash the garlic into a fragrant paste. Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, lime juice, and olive oil until everything is harmoniously combined. This marinade is where your grilled steak with garlicky green sauce recipe begins to shine, imbuing the meat with layers of bold, savory goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Place your selected steaks in a sealable bag, then pour in all the marinade. Gently massage the bag to ensure every inch of the steak is coated in that delicious mixture. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight if you can—this slow soak is the secret to juicy, deeply flavored meat that will make every bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Rest the Meat
Before firing up the grill, take the steaks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about an hour. This simple step helps the meat cook more evenly and keeps it tender and succulent throughout.
Step 4: Whip Up the Garlicky Green Sauce
This sauce is the vibrant heart of the Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe. Blend together garlic, your choice of chilies, cilantro, shallot, lime juice, salt, sugar, and olive oil in a food processor until perfectly smooth. The result is a luscious, zesty sauce that adds freshness and a delightful punch of flavor to each steak slice.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat the grill to high and lay down your marinated steaks, grilling with the lid open to create those classic grill marks and smoky flavor. Cook according to your preference—medium-rare (about 4 to 6 minutes per side) is ideal for tender, juicy steak. After grilling, let your steaks rest for 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steaks thinly against the grain—this makes the meat tender and easy to enjoy. Arrange the slices on a serving platter alongside your homemade garlicky green sauce for dipping. This thoughtful presentation highlights both the beautifully grilled meat and the vibrant sauce, inviting everyone to savor the full experience.
How to Serve Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro leaves, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a lovely visual contrast and an extra layer of flavor when serving this grilled steak with garlicky green sauce recipe. They brighten the plate and add that final touch to make your dish feel truly celebratory.
Side Dishes
Classic grilled veggies, a crisp green salad, or fragrant jasmine rice all pair beautifully with this steak and sauce combination. These sides complement the rich, spicy marinade and the lively sauce without overpowering the star of the show—the perfectly grilled steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Try wrapping slices of steak and dollops of garlicky green sauce in warm tortillas for a fun taco experience, or serve the steak atop a bed of quinoa or roasted potatoes to turn this into a hearty bowl meal. These ideas give your Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe a fresh twist that’ll surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled steak pairs beautifully with the garlicky green sauce the next day. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep flavors vibrant and textures just right.
Freezing
If you want to save grilled steak for longer, freeze it without the sauce in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare fresh green sauce to drizzle on after warming for maximum freshness.
Reheating
Warm your steak gently in a pan over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain juiciness. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out. Reheat the garlicky green sauce separately and serve it fresh alongside the meat for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin cuts like ribeye work best for quick grilling and tenderness, you can use sirloin, flank, or skirt steak too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is the garlicky green sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle to moderate heat depending on the chilies you choose. Using fewer chilies or milder ones like jalapeño will soften the spice while still delivering great flavor.
Can I make the marinade and sauce ahead of time?
Yes, both components can be made a day ahead. Marinade the steak overnight for deeper flavor and prepare the sauce early, storing it in the fridge to let flavors meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the sauce?
You can finely mince the garlic, chilies, cilantro, and shallot by hand, then whisk everything together with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and sugar until well combined for a slightly chunkier but still delicious green sauce.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?
Medium-rare is typically reached when the steak’s internal temperature hits 130–135°F (54–57°C). It will feel warm and springy when pressed gently with a finger.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of smoky grilled steak paired with a fresh, vibrant garlicky green sauce. This Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable, crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for anything from casual weeknights to special gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and rewarding it is to bring bold flavors to your table!
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Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Steak with Garlicky Green Sauce recipe features tender, thinly sliced ribeye steaks marinated in a savory blend of soy, oyster sauce, garlic, and lime. The steaks are grilled to perfection and served with a zesty, fresh green sauce made from garlic, chilies, cilantro, and lime juice. This dish makes for a flavorful and vibrant meal with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
For the steaks & marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds steak (any cut, thin pieces preferred; ribeye recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the garlicky green sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 chilies (green Thai bird’s eye chilies or 1 jalapeño)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a mortar and pestle, pound the black peppercorns into a powder, then add the garlic and crush into a fine paste. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, use freshly ground black pepper and grate the garlic with a microplane. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, lime juice, and olive oil. Stir all the ingredients well to combine.
- Marinate the steaks: Place the steaks in a zip-top bag and pour in the prepared marinade. Move the steaks around in the bag to coat evenly, then seal it. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Bring steaks to room temperature: Remove the bag from the fridge about an hour before grilling to let the steaks come to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly on the grill.
- Prepare the garlicky green sauce: In a food processor, combine garlic, chilies, cilantro, shallot, lime juice, kosher salt, sugar, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and vibrant.
- Grill the steaks: Preheat your grill to high heat with the lid open to achieve nice grill marks. Alternatively, use a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop. Grill the steaks for about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust timing to your preferred doneness. After grilling, let the steaks rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice and serve: Slice the steaks thinly against the grain for tenderness. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and serve with the garlicky green sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Thin steak cuts like ribeye work best to absorb marinade flavors and cook evenly.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Bringing the steak to room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking.
- Resting the steaks post-grill helps retain juices for a juicy bite.
- The green sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to two days.
- Adjust the amount of chilies in the sauce based on your heat preference.
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