Name: Cast Iron Flank Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper; 1 (1 1/2 pound) flank steak , trimmed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1 jalapeño chile , stemmed, seeded, and minced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas , warmed

Why This Recipe Works

Charred corn salsa combined with cumin-scented flank steak is a winning match. We wanted all the char and perfectly seared steak without having to step outside to grill, so we turned to our cast-iron skillet. We cut the steak into fourths to increase its surface area and seasoned it with ground cumin, salt, and pepper so that when we seared it, it developed a great crust. After cooking the steak, we took it out to rest and added the corn to the skillet. We let the corn cook without disturbing it to create a flavorful char. We then built our salsa: We added the corn to a lively combination of red onion, spicy jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Finally, we cut the meat thin against the grain, ensuring that each bite was as tender as it was flavorful.

Before You Begin

Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to middle position, place 12-inch cast-iron skillet on rack, and heat oven to 500 degrees. Meanwhile, combine cumin, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in bowl. Cut steak lengthwise with grain into 2 equal pieces, then cut each piece in half crosswise to create 4 equal pieces. Season steaks with spice mixture and let sit at room temperature.

When oven reaches 500 degrees, pat steaks dry with paper towels. Using potholders, remove skillet from oven and place over medium-high heat; turn off oven. Being careful of hot skillet handle, add oil and heat until just smoking. Cook steaks, without moving, until lightly browned on first side, about 2 minutes. Flip steaks and continue to cook until lightly browned on second side, about 2 minutes.

Flip steaks, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, flipping every 2 minutes, until steaks are well browned and meat registers 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), 4 to 8 minutes. Transfer steaks to carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest while making salsa.

Add corn to now-empty skillet and cook over medium heat, without stirring, until lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Stir corn and continue to cook until tender, about 1 minute; transfer to medium bowl. Stir in onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Slice steak thin against grain and serve with tortillas and corn salsa.