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Lemony Steak Tips with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on June 12, 2020

Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Lemony Steak Tips with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous

Ingredients

1 ½ cups pearl couscous 1 ½ teaspoons table salt, divided, plus salt for cooking couscous1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced thin½ cup frozen peas, thawed1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)⅓ cup chopped fresh basil ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped fine, plus 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided1 tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice2 pounds sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks½ teaspoon pepper

Before You Begin

Use a medium-size zucchini here, or swap in yellow summer squash if desired. Sirloin steak tips are often sold as flap meat. Pearl couscous is sometimes labeled as Israeli couscous.

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add couscous and 1½ teaspoons salt and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain couscous and rinse with cold water until cool, about 1 minute; drain thoroughly.
  2. Combine couscous, zucchini, peas, Parmesan, basil, tomatoes and tomato oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt in large bowl; set aside.
  3. Sprinkle steak tips with lemon zest, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add steak tips and cook until well browned all over and registering 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 7 minutes. Transfer steak tips to large plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve steak tips with reserved couscous.
Lemony Steak Tips with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous
Photography by Steve Klise. Styling by Ashley Moore.

Lemony Steak Tips with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Why This Recipe Works

Using the sun-dried tomato packing oil added flavor to the couscous.

Before You Begin

Use a medium-size zucchini here, or swap in yellow summer squash if desired. Sirloin steak tips are often sold as flap meat. Pearl couscous is sometimes labeled as Israeli couscous.

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add couscous and 1½ teaspoons salt and cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain couscous and rinse with cold water until cool, about 1 minute; drain thoroughly.
  2. Combine couscous, zucchini, peas, Parmesan, basil, tomatoes and tomato oil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon salt in large bowl; set aside.
  3. Sprinkle steak tips with lemon zest, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add steak tips and cook until well browned all over and registering 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 7 minutes. Transfer steak tips to large plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve steak tips with reserved couscous.
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