Vindaloo Flank Steak

Name: Vindaloo Flank Steak
Total time: 145 min
Ingredients: 8 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and wiped clean; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar; One 3-inch piece of fresh ginger (2 ounces), peeled and coarsely chopped; 6 garlic cloves; 1 small cinnamon stick; 2 cloves; Kosher salt; One 1 1/2-pound flank steak; Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing; Pepper; Warm paratha or naan, yogurt and lime wedges, for serving

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In India, this fiery curry is often served with chicken, lamb, or vegetables. Atlanta chef Meherwan Irani turns it into a thick paste to marinate steak. The meat is terrific on its own or served with naan.

By

Meherwan Irani

Updated on May 1, 2015

Vindaloo Flank Steak — Photo: © Andrew Thomas Lee

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 25 mins

Yield:

4

Ingredients

8 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and wiped clean
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
One 3-inch piece of fresh ginger (2 ounces), peeled and coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
2 cloves
Kosher salt
One 1 1/2-pound flank steak
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
Pepper
Warm paratha or naan, yogurt and lime wedges, for serving

Directions

In a saucepan, toast the chiles, cumin seeds and peppercorns over moderate heat, turning the chiles, until pliable and the cumin is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of water and the vinegar, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, cloves and 1 teaspoon of salt and bring just to a boil. Let stand off the heat until the chiles are soft, about 30 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.
Transfer the chile mixture to a blender and puree to a smooth paste. In a baking dish, spread the paste all over the steak and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 45 minutes before grilling.
Light a grill and brush with oil. Scrape some of the marinade off the steak, then season the meat with salt and pepper. Grill over moderately high heat, turning, until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 125°, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the steak to a carving board and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain and serve with warm paratha, yogurt and lime wedges.

Make Ahead

The vindaloo paste can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Suggested Pairing

Pair this Indian steak with spicy, berry-rich Spanish red.