Flank steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be transformed into a delicious and flavorful dish with the right ingredients and techniques. One such recipe that showcases the potential of flank steak is a flank steak with garlic and ginger marinade, served with stewed tomatoes.
The key to this dish is the soy sauce-based marinade that infuses the flank steak with deep umami flavors. The marinade consists of a whole head of garlic, plenty of fresh ginger, and an abundance of fresh thyme. These bold and aromatic ingredients create a rich and savory flavor profile that penetrates the steak as it marinates, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.
Once the steak is seared and sliced, it is served with stewed tomatoes that are simmered slowly to create a thick and flavorful sauce. The stewed tomatoes echo the flavors of the marinade, using garlic, ginger, and thyme to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. This repetition of flavors creates a harmonious pairing that ties the dish together and highlights the different dimensions of each ingredient.
The contrast in textures between the juicy steak and the velvety stewed tomatoes creates a rustic yet refined plate. The dish is a balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors, making it both comforting and bold. It can be served with rice, potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you’re wondering about the difference between canned tomatoes and stewed tomatoes, canned tomatoes are simply raw tomatoes that have been processed for preservation, while stewed tomatoes are cooked and seasoned for a softer texture and sweeter, more complex flavor. To easily peel plum tomatoes for the stewed tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water and then transfer them to ice water before peeling off the skin with a paring knife.
Overall, this flank steak with garlic and ginger marinade, served with stewed tomatoes, is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of flank steak. The bold and aromatic flavors of the marinade complement the tender meat, while the stewed tomatoes add a sweet and savory element to the dish. Pair it with a Gigondas from the southern Rhône for a complete and delicious meal.
