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–+ servings

Steak Pizzaiola: Tender Sirloin in Garlicky Tomato Sauce

A rustic Italian-American steak pizzaiola with tender sirloin simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beef, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 445

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless sirloin steaks about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick; about 1 1/4 lb (570 g) total; flank or round steak works too
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion about 1 small
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup dry chicken broth mixed with 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Dry the steaks with paper towels, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the salt and all the black pepper over both sides.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, tilting the pan to coat the bottom.
  3. When the oil starts to shimmer, lay in the steaks and sear them until a golden-brown crust forms, about 2 minutes on the first side and 1 minute on the second. Move the steaks to a plate and lower the heat to medium.
  4. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the skillet and swirl it around. Add the onion and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring now and then, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the broth and vinegar mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Add the diced tomatoes, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the oregano. Stir everything together.
  6. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Return the steaks and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Cook just until the steaks are heated through, about 3 minutes more.
  7. Divide the steaks and sauce evenly among plates. Scatter the parsley over the top and serve with toasted crusty baguette or focaccia for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 34gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 1000mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12g

Notes

Use flank steak, skirt steak, or round steak if sirloin is unavailable; slice against the grain for tenderness.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of Napa Valley red wine or a pinch of dried oregano when fresh is out of season.
No white wine vinegar? Swap in apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of Meyer lemon juice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Make the tomato sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; sear the steaks just before serving.
Avoid overcooking the beef after returning it to the sauce, or it will turn tough. Warm it through only.
Serve over polenta, pasta, or with toasted San Francisco-style sourdough for soaking up the sauce.

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