10 Easy Steak Thin Recipes for Quick Weeknight Meals

steak thin recipes

Steak

As the sun sets and the workday ends, you don’t want to spend hours cooking. But, what if you could have a tasty steak dinner quickly? Welcome to the world of fast, easy steak thin recipes that make weeknights special.

Imagine coming home, tired, but smelling a sizzling steak and veggies. In just minutes, you can enjoy tender, flavorful bites. These recipes are quick, and easy, and use affordable cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, and top sirloin.

Looking for a classic steak fajita, a tasty teriyaki stir-fry, or a zesty lemon-garlic thin steak? This collection of 10 easy recipes has you covered. With rave reviews and various cooking methods, you’ll find the perfect dish to satisfy your steak cravings fast.

What are Thin Steak Cuts?

Thin steak cuts are great for fast weeknight meals. They are lean, full of flavor, and cook quickly. This makes them perfect for busy families. Popular choices include flank steak, skirt steak, and top sirloin.

Understanding Different Cuts of Steak

Flank Steak is a long, flat cut that’s great for marinating and slicing. Skirt Steak has a rich, beefy taste and is perfect for quick searing. The top Sirloin is tender and juicy, cooking evenly for various recipes.

Ideal Cooking Methods for Thin Steaks

The best ways to cook thin steak cuts are grilling, pan-searing, stir-frying, and quick marinating. These methods enhance the meat’s natural tenderness and bold flavors. Marinating thin steaks for at least an hour, or up to 8 hours, improves texture and taste.

“Thin steak cuts are a budget-friendly and time-saving option for delicious weeknight meals.”

Whether you like the bold taste of flank steak, the rich essence of skirt steak, or the tender bite of top sirloin, thin steak cuts have endless recipe possibilities. They make quick and satisfying dinners easy.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Recipes

To make your thin steak recipes taste great, choose the right ingredients. Start with a marinade that has acidic parts like citrus juice or vinegar. This tenderizes the meat. Soy sauce adds a savory flavor, while olive oil keeps the steak juicy.

Adding a bit of brown sugar is key. It brings out the meat’s natural sweetness and creates a tasty crust.

Marinades that Enhance Your Steak

Marinades with bourbon, garlic, and Cajun seasoning can make your thin steak dishes more complex. These flavors tenderize the meat and give it a delicious char when cooked. Try different marinades to find the best one for beef tenderloin recipes or flank steak recipes.

Best Vegetables to Compliment Thin Steaks

  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Broccoli

These veggies are great with thin steak, whether in a stir-fry or fajitas. They add color and texture to your meal. Serve your steak with crispy potatoes or a fresh arugula salad for a complete dish.

“A marinade of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and a little flour is the secret to juicy, flavorful slices of flank steak.”

Recipe 1: Classic Steak Fajitas

Crisp, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, classic steak fajitas are a weeknight dinner favorite. This easy recipe showcases the bold taste of thinly sliced carne asada or skirt steak paired with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Marinated to perfection and grilled to smoky-sweet goodness, these fajitas are sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Preparation Steps

  1. In a large resealable bag, combine the steak, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the meat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear the steak for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness.
  4. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions until they’re crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sliced steak and sautéed veggies warm, wrapped in soft carne asada or skirt steak tortillas. Top with your favorite fajita fixings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the lime wedges for a final squeeze of brightness. These classic steak fajitas are a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

“The recipe for Classic Steak Fajitas was first posted on September 22, 2013, and last updated on March 26, 2024 for clearer instructions.”

Recipe 2: Quick Teriyaki Steak Stir-Fry

Craving a delicious and easy-to-prepare beef dish? Look no further than this quick teriyaki steak stir-fry! It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Use thinly sliced beef tenderloin or sirloin for tender and flavorful results.

Ingredients Overview

The key ingredients in this stir-fry include:

  • Thinly sliced beef tenderloin or sirloin
  • Teriyaki sauce (made with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and ginger)
  • Broccoli florets
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots, julienned
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

This stir-fry comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a quick and convenient meal option. Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Marinate the thinly sliced beef in the teriyaki sauce for at least an hour, or up to overnight for even more flavor.
  2. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 7-9 minutes, until cooked through.
  3. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. In the same wok, sauté the broccoli, snap peas, and carrots for 5-7 minutes, until crisp-tender.
  4. Return the cooked beef to the wok and toss everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly.
  5. Serve the teriyaki steak stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds.

This quick and easy beef tenderloin recipes is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy the savory-sweet teriyaki flavor and tender beef paired with crisp, colorful veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

steak thin recipes

Recipe 3: Simple Steak Tacos

Make your weeknights better with these tasty steak tacos. They use tender flank steak or carne asada. These tacos are loved by all and are quick to make. They’re perfect for taco nights or to mix up your dinner.

Taco Assembly Tips

First, grill or pan-fry your steak until it’s just right. Cut it against the grain for extra softness. Then, warm your tortillas and fill them with the steak. Top it with your favorite things, like:

  • Diced onions
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges

For an extra boost, try these toppings:

  1. Mango Salsa: A mix of mango, green onions, and lime for a sweet kick.
  2. Spicy Cilantro Lime Crema: A creamy sauce with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and Sriracha.
  3. Pickled Onions: Thin red onion slices in vinegar, sugar, and spices for a tangy crunch.

These tacos are great because you can change them up to your liking. They’re perfect for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Enjoy!

Recipe 4: Lemon Garlic Thin Steak

Elevate your weeknight dinner with the bright and flavorful lemon garlic thin steak recipe. This dish showcases the delicious beef scaloppine or minute steak cuts. They are marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, and then quickly seared to tender perfection.

Marinade Details

The key to juicy and flavorful thin steaks lies in the marinade. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Add the 2 pounds of flank steak and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.

Cooking Instructions

When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Sear the marinated steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before slicing them against the grain.

Serve the lemon garlic thin steaks with a side of 3 cups of cooked basmati rice. Toss the rice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 clove of chopped garlic, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Top with a sliced avocado for a complete, balanced meal.

This recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy the beefy flavor of scaloppine or minute steak cuts. The added brightness of lemon and garlic makes it special. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Recipe 5: Steak and Veggie Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill for a tasty mix of tender beef and fresh veggies. These Steak and Veggie Skewers are great for a quick weeknight meal or a backyard barbecue. They show off the versatility of thin steak cuts like beef tenderloin or skirt steak.

Skewering Techniques

When making your steak and veggie skewers, keep these tips in mind:

  • Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  • Alternate the beef cubes with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions.
  • Leave space between each ingredient for even cooking.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to prevent burning.

Grilling Tips

Follow these simple grilling guidelines for perfect steak and veggie skewers:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your liking.
  3. For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
  4. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve these flavorful Steak and Veggie Skewers with couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy the perfect mix of tender beef tenderloin or skirt steak and freshly grilled veggies.

Recipe 6: Asian-Inspired Steak Salad

Looking for a light and refreshing meal? Try this Asian-inspired steak salad. It has thinly sliced flank steak or beef tataki-style. It’s great for warm evenings or when you’re short on time.

Salad Ingredients

  • Mixed greens
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Crispy wonton strips
  • 1 pound of grilled or seared skirt steak, sliced thinly

Dressing Recommendations

For a tasty dressing, mix:

  1. Rice vinegar
  2. Soy sauce
  3. Sesame oil
  4. A touch of honey

This salad is quick to make, perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.

steak thin recipes

For more ideas, explore our beef tataki recipes and flank steak recipes. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Asian-inspired steak salad!

Tips for Cooking Thin Steak Perfectly

Cooking thin steaks right can make them juicy and tender. Start by letting your steak warm up to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Also, pat the steak dry with paper towels to prevent moisture from stopping the sear.

Key Temperature Guidelines

For thin steaks, use high heat and quick cooking. Sear the steak at 400-450°F for 1-2 minutes on each side. Then, lower the heat and cook until it reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One big problem with thin steaks is overcooking, making them tough and dry. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Don’t cook it longer than needed. If your steak is tough, try freezing it briefly before slicing. This method is great for beef carpaccio or steak thin recipes to make the meat tender and cook evenly.

FAQ

What are the most popular thin steak cuts?

Thin steak favorites include flank steak, skirt steak, and top sirloin. These cuts are lean, full of flavor, and cook quickly.

What are the ideal cooking methods for thin steaks?

Thin steaks are best cooked by grilling, pan-searing, stir-frying, or quick marinating. These methods enhance tenderness and flavor.

What essential ingredients make thin steak recipes flavorful?

Key ingredients are acidic marinades, soy sauce, olive oil, and brown sugar. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli also add flavor.

How do you make classic steak fajitas?

For steak fajitas, marinate skirt steak or flank steak in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Grill or sear the steak and vegetables. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

What makes a quick teriyaki steak stir-fry ideal for weeknights?

Teriyaki steak stir-fry uses thinly sliced beef tenderloin or sirloin. It cooks quickly. The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor, ready in under 30 minutes.

What makes simple steak tacos a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal?

Steak tacos are easy and customizable. Use flank steak or skirt steak, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Grill or pan-sear. Serve with warm tortillas and toppings like onions, cilantro, avocado, and salsa.

How do you make lemon garlic thin steak?

For lemon garlic thin steak, marinate beef scaloppine or minute steaks in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Cook in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

How do you make steak and veggie skewers?

Cut beef tenderloin or sirloin into 1-inch cubes and marinate in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Alternate steak and colorful vegetables on skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is done.

What makes an Asian-inspired steak salad a refreshing option?

An Asian-inspired steak salad combines grilled or seared flank steak or beef tataki with mixed greens, cucumbers, mandarin oranges, and crispy wonton strips. The dressing is a simple mix of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.

How can you cook thin steak perfectly?

To cook thin steak perfectly, start with room temperature meat, pat it dry, and use high heat for quick cooking times. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. Let the steak rest before slicing against the grain. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.

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Easy dinner ideas / Quick weeknight meals / Skillet steak recipes / Thin steak recipes

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