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Classic Steak Pizzaiola

Classic Steak Pizzaiola
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Classic Steak Pizzaiola is a hearty Italian dish featuring tender steak simmered in a tangy tomato and herb sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines bold Mediterranean ingredients like garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Quick to prepare and versatile, it embraces authentic Italian flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

  • 1 lb thin-cut steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt)

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh peeled tomatoes or canned peeled tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for searing)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan or mozzarella for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to create a flavorful crust during cooking.
  2. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in dried oregano, crushed fresh or canned tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently to combine flavors.
  4. Simmer the Steak in Sauce: Return the seared steak to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on steak thickness, allowing the flavors to meld and the steak to tenderize.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat once the steak is tender and infused with the sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan or mozzarella.

Notes

  • Choose thin cuts of steak for faster cooking and tenderness.
  • Don’t skip searing the steak to lock in juices and add flavor.
  • Use high-quality tomatoes, like San Marzano canned tomatoes, for the best sauce taste.
  • Simmer gently to avoid drying out the steak.
  • Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier slices.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute steak with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
  • Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Try swapping oregano with fresh basil or thyme to vary the herb profile.
  • Top with grated cheese for an indulgent finish.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to maintain tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak pizzaiola, Italian steak recipe, tomato sauce steak, quick Italian dinner, gluten free steak recipe, classic Italian dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/classic-steak-pizzaiola/