Steak Media Noche Recipe
Make Steak Media Noche Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Steak and Marinade
Plantains and Toppings
Crema Drizzle
Method
Steak and Marinade
- 1
Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs soy sauce, 2 tbs lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper until combined.
- 2
Marinate the steak
Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Remove from fridge 20 minutes before cooking to come toward room temperature.
- 3
Cook the steak
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until smoking slightly. Add a thin film of oil (or wipe excess marinade off steak) and place steak in the hot pan. Sear without moving for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature about 130–135°F / 54–57°C). Adjust time for thickness and desired doneness.
- 4
Rest and slice
Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 8–10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips or pieces appropriate for topping plantains.
Plantains and Toppings
- 5
Prepare plantains
Peel the ripe plantains by cutting off the ends and scoring the peel lengthwise, then removing the skin. Slice each plantain on a diagonal into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- 6
Fry plantains
Pour about 1 cup vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach roughly 1/4 inch depth and heat over medium-high until shimmering (350°F if using a thermometer). Add plantain slices in a single layer without crowding. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Work in batches as needed. Transfer to a paper-towel–lined tray and immediately sprinkle with 1 tsp sea salt.
- 7
- 8
Build Steak Media Noche
Arrange warm fried plantain rounds on a serving platter. Top each round with a small pile of sliced steak, a few pieces of avocado, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a little pickled red onion. Scatter chopped cilantro and place lime wedges at the side.
Crema Drizzle
- 9
Make the crema
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tbs lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or lime to preference. If the crema is too thick, stir in 1–2 tsp water to reach a pourable consistency.
- 10