Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that truly celebrates bold flavors and vibrant colors, the Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe brilliantly balances the smoky, tender goodness of grilled flank steak with the bright, sweet, and slightly spicy notes of fresh pineapple salsa, creating an unforgettable taste experience that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish brings together simple, fresh ingredients that come alive on the grill and the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe plays a starring role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple to the aromatic punch of garlic and oregano, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

• 1 pound flank steak: A lean cut perfect for quick grilling and soaking up marinade flavors.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Adds moisture and helps develop a beautiful char on the steak.
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced): Imparts a pungent, savory depth to the marinade.
• 2 teaspoons oregano (dried): Offers an earthy herbal note that complements beef wonderfully.
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds a gentle heat to spark excitement in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (ground): Brings a subtle peppery kick for balance.
• 2 cups pineapple (fresh; diced): The star of the salsa, lending juicy sweetness and a tropical vibe.
• 1 red bell pepper (small; chopped): Adds crisp texture and vibrant color to the salsa.
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped): Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness to lift the salsa.
• 1 jalapeño (deseeded and chopped): Brings a mild to moderate heat that livens up every bite.
• 1 lime (juiced): Offers tart acidity that balances the sweetness of pineapple.
• Kosher sea salt (to taste): For seasoning the salsa just right.
• Black pepper (to taste): Adds a finishing peppery note to the salsa.

How to Make Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by placing your flank steak into a large ziplock bag, then add the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red chili flakes, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together gently through the bag to ensure the steak is well coated. Seal the bag and let it marinate in the fridge for about 1 hour. This step is crucial because it infuses the steak with vibrant flavors while tenderizing the meat for a juicy finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa

While the steak is marinating, toss together your pineapple, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a mixing bowl. Season with a pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper to enhance all those fresh flavors. The salsa should be lively and refreshing, providing a sweet and slightly spicy contrast to the smokiness of the steak.

Step 3: Bring Steak to Room Temperature

About 15 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated steak from the fridge and let it reach room temperature. This step helps the steak cook more evenly on the grill, avoiding the dreaded cold center and ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Step 4: Heat the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready. A properly heated grill creates those beautiful sear marks and locks in the flavorful juices.

Step 5: Grill the Steak

Place the steak on the grill and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Since flank steak is thin, keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. The goal is a perfectly caramelized exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

After grilling, let the steak rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute, then slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with a generous spoonful of your vibrant pineapple salsa on top or on the side for a mouthwatering combination.

How to Serve Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves or a few lime wedges on the side can elevate the presentation and add an extra burst of flavor. You might also consider a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey over the salsa for subtle sweetness and smokiness that complements the steak beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The tropical notes from the pineapple salsa underscore the charred meat perfectly, creating a balanced meal that doesn’t feel heavy but still satisfies fully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the sliced grilled steak with pineapple salsa on warm tortillas as tacos, or pile the salsa on top of a bed of mixed greens for an elegant steak salad. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to serve the steak alongside a grilled corn salad or roasted sweet potatoes to bring in more smoky sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover steak and pineapple salsa are best stored separately in airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 days for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

While the steak can be frozen after cooking, it’s best to freeze it before grilling if possible to preserve quality. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the pineapple salsa as it may become watery and lose its fresh texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftover steak gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid high heat, which can dry it out. Serve again with fresh pineapple salsa straight from the fridge for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and tenderness when grilled quickly, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the grilling time as needed to suit the thickness of your cut.

How spicy is the pineapple salsa?

The heat level mainly depends on the amount of jalapeño and red chili flakes you add. You can easily adjust this to your taste by adding more or less, or leaving out the seeds for a milder salsa.

Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The salsa can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What if I don’t have access to an outdoor grill?

No worries! A grill pan or even a cast iron skillet works beautifully to sear the steak and develop that irresistible charred flavor indoors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Grilled steak slices and pineapple salsa hold up well in the fridge, making this a fantastic option for easy, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again because it hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, spicy, and fresh, all wrapped up in a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, the dynamic combination of smoky steak and bright salsa will become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love, bite after wonderful bite!

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