Flank Steak Perfection with Parmesan Cream Orzo

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something fancy but quick? This Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo ticks all the boxes. It's got that delicious restaurant quality, but honestly, you can whip it up faster than ordering a takeaway! The star is a juicy steak paired with seriously addictive creamy orzo.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by Italian flavours. It's a mid-week meal made easier. The dish is medium difficulty and takes around 45 minutes. This recipe will serve 4 people.

Main Benefits

Steak is a great source of protein. It's perfect for a satisfying dinner. What makes this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo special is that you can have a restaurant level experience at home.

Also, dinners with ribeye steak can easily be done with flank.

Making the Marinade

First, you'll create a marinade. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Marinating is a great thing to do with flank steak .

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a list of everything you need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 pounds flank steak
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

What to do with steak meat

You can place the steak in a Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Two hours is the longest I would recommend.

Cooking the Orzo

Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Dinner using steak can be very flexible! Stir in orzo and toast briefly.

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Simmer until orzo is cooked (about 15- 18 minutes).

Searing the Flank Steak

Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. This is important. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until almost smoking.

Sear the steak for 3- 4 minutes per side. Flank steak recipes are a gift that keeps on giving

Rest and Finish

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. While the steak rests, stir heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter into the orzo.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget the parsley. Parmesan orzo with steak is a marriage made in heaven.

The Grand Finale

Divide the creamy orzo among plates. Top with sliced steak. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy! Weeknight flank steak dinner just got a whole lot tastier! You can totally make it even a Quick steak dinner idea with a little practice.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Okay, so you wanna try this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo , yeah? I got you. I make this all the time when I have guests.

Honestly , it's easier than it looks. I will tell you everything you need. Think of it as a fancy Dinner Using Steak .

The star is the flank steak, but the creamy orzo? Total game changer.

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Alright, here's the lineup for our Italian Flank Steak Recipe :

• Flank Steak Marinade:
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (US & Metric). Get decent olive oil. You know, the kind you'd dip bread in .
  • Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (US & Metric)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (US & Metric). Fresh garlic is key; none of that jarred stuff .
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (US & Metric)
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (US & Metric).
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (US & Metric). Adjust for your spice tolerance. My grandma hates spicy things.
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (US & Metric).
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (US & Metric).
• Flank Steak:
  • Flank Steak: 1.5 pounds , about 1 inch thick (US: 1.5 lbs, Metric: 680g). Look for good marbling. That’s where the flavor is. This will take your Dinners With Ribeye Steak game to another level .
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (US & Metric).
• Creamy Parmesan Orzo:
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (US & Metric).
  • Yellow Onion: 1 small , finely chopped (US & Metric).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (US & Metric).
  • Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (US & Metric).
  • Chicken Broth: 3 cups (US & Metric). Low sodium's best. You can always add more salt!
  • Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (US & Metric). Don’t skimp! This makes it creamy .
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus more for serving (US & Metric). Freshly grated is a MUST. Trust me .
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons (US & Metric).
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped (US & Metric).
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste (US & Metric).

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

For this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo recipe, oregano and red pepper flakes are a match made in heaven. Don't forget salt and pepper! You need those.

For that creamy orzo recipe , Parmesan is the star. Honestly , a generous grating over the top before serving? Chef's kiss.

If you're missing balsamic vinegar? Red wine vinegar works. No orzo? I guess you could use couscous if that's what you have.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need a fancy sous vide for good Flank Steak . Promise.

• Ziploc bag (or shallow dish)
• Large Skillet (cast iron is best for steak)
• Medium saucepan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer. This is CRUCIAL for perfect steak doneness .

If you don't have a meat thermometer, honestly get one!. You know , perfect steak every time. Otherwise this can be a good What To Do With Steak Meat , in the end.

If you're looking for Quick Steak Dinner Ideas , you've come to the right place. It would be one of the best Things To Make With Flank Steak , and can be one of those Flank Steak Recipes Easy .

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Cooking Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo

Okay, folks, let’s get real. We're diving headfirst into a recipe that's gonna become your new go-to: Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo .

Forget those dinners with ribeye steak that take all day. This is quick steak dinner ideas done right. It’s easy, it’s impressive, and honestly, it tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

Trust me, even if your cooking skills are more "burnt toast" than "Michelin star," you can totally nail this. I've had many cooking fails (we all have!), but this one always turns out perfect .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

This is where the magic starts! First, gather your troops. I mean ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and measure out all those spices.

This is essential mise en place . Seriously, it makes life so much easier. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

Get your 1.5 pounds of flank steak ready. It is about 1 inch thick . A little prep saves tons of time later.

Trust me on this, especially on busy weeknights. It will also give you lots of Things to make with flank steak .

Searing to Perfection: The step-by-step Lowdown

Alright, let's get cooking, shall we?

1. Marinate that steak! Place it in a Ziploc bag with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes .
2. Cook the orzo: sauté onion in olive oil, then garlic. Add orzo, and toast it briefly. Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 15- 18 minutes .
3. Sear that steak! Heat olive oil in a skillet until almost smoking . Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Aim for 130- 135° F/54- 57° C with a meat thermometer.
4. Let it rest! Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Finish the orzo. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, butter, and parsley.

Pro Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Steak Game

Want to take it up a notch? Here are some secrets. Don't skip the marinade it’s key for flavor and tenderizing.

Pat the steak dry before searing. Trust me, it's a game changer. Resting the steak is crucial. Resist the urge to cut into it right away.

A common mistake? Overcooking the orzo. Aim for creamy and al dente, not mushy. And remember to slice the flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

I learned that the hard way! Thinking about flank steak recipes easy ? You've found it.

This is a weeknight flank steak dinner hero. Enjoy this Italian flank steak recipe .

Recipe Notes for Ultimate Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo

Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty bits that'll take your Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo from "meh" to "OMG!". Honestly, it's the little things that make all the difference.

Plating like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, right? Oh my gosh, nobody wants food that looks like it was thrown on a plate. Try fanning the sliced flank steak over the creamy orzo for an elegant look.

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley? Chef's kiss!

What to serve alongside? A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Roasted asparagus? Always a winner! Dinners With Ribeye Steak aren't the same, it's like you have something more premium.

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? You are lucky, the dish is incredible. Store the steak and orzo separately in airtight containers. The steak will last 3-4 days in the fridge. The orzo? Similar timeframe.

For reheating, gently warm the steak in a pan with a bit of oil or butter. Microwaving can make it tough trust me, I've learned the hard way.

Reheat the orzo on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Freezing Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo is doable, but the orzo might lose some creaminess.

Quick steak dinner ideas are never enough.

Remix It: Variations

Feeling adventurous? Honestly, Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo is a blank canvas. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. It's still lush, I swear!

Want to make this Italian flank steak recipe suitable to be seasonal ingredients? Roast some cherry tomatoes and stir them into the orzo for extra zing in the summer.

You know? What to do with steak meat?

Fuel Your Body: Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food. But it's not terrible either. You are getting a good dose of protein from the steak.

The orzo adds carbs for energy, but be mindful of portion sizes, yeah? A portion packs around 650 calories. The recipe provides around 50g of protein.

Consider it a treat yourself meal! Make your Weeknight flank steak dinner with this creamy version.

So go on, give this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo a whirl! I promise you won't regret it. It's one of those flank steak recipes easy to make that feels super fancy.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marinate the flank steak for longer than 2 hours? Is there a sweet spot?

You bet! While 30 minutes will add some flavour, marinating the flank steak for 4-6 hours is ideal. Any longer than 8 hours and the marinade's acidity can start to break down the meat too much, making it a bit mushy nobody wants that!

Think of it like leaving your tea bag in too long; you want flavour, not bitterness.

My orzo always seems to come out gluggy. Any tips for getting that perfect creamy texture for this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo?

Ah, the bane of many a cook! The key is to avoid overcooking the orzo. Treat it like risotto: add the broth gradually and stir frequently. Also, don't rinse the orzo after cooking, as the starch helps create that lovely creamy sauce.

A knob of butter at the end never hurts either it's the chef's secret ingredient!

I don't have Parmesan. Can I substitute another cheese in the creamy orzo?

Absolutely! Pecorino Romano is a great substitute as it has a similar salty, hard cheese flavour. Grana Padano is another good option. Just avoid using a cheese that melts too easily, like mozzarella, as it won't give you the same rich, savoury flavour.

Think of it like substituting cheddar for Red Leicester similar, but not quite the same!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo?

Store the flank steak and orzo separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the orzo from becoming too soggy from the steak juices. They'll keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to the orzo to loosen it up.

Reheat the steak gently to avoid overcooking.

How can I tell if my Flank Steak is cooked to medium rare without a thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way, you can use the "touch test." Gently press the center of the steak. It should feel slightly firm, with a little give, similar to the fleshy part of your cheek when you touch your chin.

If it feels very soft (like your cheek near your lips), it's underdone; if it feels firm (like your forehead), it's overdone. Of course, every oven is different, so it may take a couple tries to perfect this method.

I'm watching my calories. Are there any ways to make this Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo a bit healthier?

Of course! You can lighten up the orzo by using half and-half instead of heavy cream, or even using a lower fat milk alternative. Also, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly. On the steak side, be sure to trim any excess fat before marinating and searing.

Serve with a generous portion of steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal.