Spicy Tamarind Skirt Steak

Inspired by techniques from Bon Appétit.

Skirt steak · Spicy tamarind · Thai-inspired

Skirt steak marinates in a sweet-sour mix of tamarind, chilli and brown sugar, then goes straight into a screaming-hot frying pan so the sugars catch and char on the surface. A short rest and a thin slice against the grain keep every piece tender.

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Total30 min
DifficultyEasy
Per serving366 kcal
FreeHigh ProteinGluten-freeDairy-free
Servings4Recipe makes 4
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

Based on the listed ingredients, none of the 14 major EU allergens. Always check product labels.

Method

  1. 1

    Make the marinade. In a shallow dish, whisk the chillies, tamarind concentrate, brown sugar, salt and the 1 tablespoon of oil until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 2

    Marinate the steak. Add the steak pieces and turn to coat them all over. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.

  3. 3

    Sear in batches. Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add 2 pieces of steak straight from the marinade and sear until deeply browned, about 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (around 52-54 °C). Lift out, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, and repeat with the remaining steak.

  4. 4

    Rest and slice. Transfer the steak to a chopping board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

Storage

Best eaten right away. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3-4 days, reheated gently or served cold and thinly sliced in a salad or wrap. Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).

Why this label?

High Protein

35.9 g protein for 366 kcal = 9.8 g per 100 kcal, so protein gives about 39% of the energy. High Protein needs at least 20% (5 g per 100 kcal), the condition in the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. How we decide

Free sugars

Sugar (daily guide)

5.8 g per serving

11.6 % of the 50 g daily maximum · 23.2 % of the ideal 25 g

Free sugars under 50 g a day, ideally about 25 g, based on WHO free-sugar guidance (not endorsed by WHO). The share shown is the share of one serving. WHO

Equipment

  • chef's knife
  • shallow non-reactive dish
  • whisk
  • large frying pan (cast iron if you have it)
  • tongs
  • instant-read thermometer
  • chopping board

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy366 kcal
Protein35.9 g
Carbohydrate11.9 g
of which sugars9.6 g
of which free sugars5.8 g
Fat19.9 g
of which saturates6.3 g
Fibre0.7 g
Salt1.51 g

Protein per 100 kcal

9.8 g meets High Protein (≥ 5 g, 20% of energy)

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values