Skirt Steak with Sauce Niçoise

By Alexandra Stafford

If you’ve read any article about how to cook a good steak, chances are you know the importance of letting meat rest once Alexandra Stafford has cooked: 10 minutes at a minimum. Slice the skirt steak against the grain, and serve it with plenty of your fresh, summery, bright sauce spooned over top.

  • Yield: 4 Servings
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INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 pound skirt steak
  • kosher salt , to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers , drained
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil , coarsely chopped if large leave

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place an 12" cast iron skillet in the oven and let it heat for 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, place skirt steak on a cutting board and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper to taste. If necessary, cut the steak to ensure it will fit in the skillet.
  3. Turn a burner to high. Carefully remove skillet from the oven and place it over the hot burner. Lower steak into pan and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes or until nicely browned with edges beginning to cook. Wrap a tea towel or potholder around the handle of the pan to remind yourself not to touch it—it will retain its heat for a long time. Flip the steak, and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board.
  4. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any burnt bits clinging to the pan. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel.
  5. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place in a large bowl. Coarsely chop the olives and add to the bowl along with the capers. Toss to combine. Mince the clove of garlic and set aside.