CARAMELIZED STEAK TIPS WITH CHARRED PINEAPPLE
An excellent weeknight meal option that’s a bit more interesting than your typical go-to...
The great thing about making steak tips is that they don’t take long to cook. You just need to make sure the steak is well-marinated beforehand, and they will be super delicious. Using honey in the marinade helps to create a beautifully caramelized crust when seared, and charring pineapple develops a sweetness that balances nicely with fresh basil and the heat from chilies. This would also be excellent with toasted peanuts sprinkled on top. Slightly Asian in flavor, I like to serve this with riced cauliflower or rice if you can eat it. Top any extra pineapple with plain nondairy yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a sweet side dish.
Serves 2-4
YOU WILL NEED
¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup, plus 3 tablespoons coconut aminos, liquid aminos or tamari
¼ cup honey
1 pound steak tips
3 tablespoons avocado oil or grapeseed oil
½ sweet onion or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Zest and juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
1/2 pineapple thinly sliced
1 red jalapeno or fresno chili, thinly sliced
TO MAKE
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup sesame oil, ¼ cup coconut aminos and ¼ cup honey. Stir in the steak tips to ensure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove the steak tips from the marinade letting any excess drip off. Set aside.
Bring a large pan or cast iron skillet to medium heat. Add the avocado oil and remaining 3 tablespoons coconut aminos. Stir in the onions and garlic to cook until the onions are slightly translucent.
Bring the pan to medium high heat and stir in the marinated steak tips to let sear until starting to brown, about 1 minute. Stir in the zest and juice from 2 limes and coconut sugar. Continue to let the steak tips sear until they have a golden brown caramelized crust, another 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove the steak tips from the pan and place in a serving bowl. Gently toss in the fresh basil so that it is slightly wilted by the heat of the steak.
Leaving any remaining bits in the pan, bring the heat to high. Add the sliced pineapple to sear until slightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Arrange the pineapple around the steak tips. Sprinkle the jalapeno over the top and serve right away.