Minute Steak with Broccolini

Minute steaks are the easiest steaks to cook because they’re so thin. I love them because they’re super quick and also because they tend to be really tender and juicy. You can buy minute steaks from your butcher but I prefer to buy regular steaks and bash them out myself. I find I get much more tender steaks this way.

serves2
1 bunch broccolini
2 steaks about 1cm (1/3in) thick
1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes or 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook broccolini for 5 minutes or until tender. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, using the base of a saucepan or your fist, bash steaks out until they are half the thickness. Rub with olive oil and season.

3. Preheat a frying pan or skillet very hot. Sear steaks for a minute on each side, or until cooked to your liking. Rest on 2 warm dinner plates.

4. Mix chilli with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, preferable a nice peppery one.

5. Serve steaks topped with broccolini, chilli oil and a squeeze of lemon.

quantities for different serving sizes

This easily decreases without any problems. If you need to increase, you may need to cook the steak in batches, depending on the size of your pan.

prepare ahead?

Best if served hot and fresh.

variations for dietary requirements & fun

vegetarian – replace the steak with sliced haloumi cheese and cook in a little oil until golden and oozing. Field Mushrooms would also be nice. Serve straight away with the broccolini and chilli oil.

vegan – slice a blog of tofu into 5mm (1/4in) thick slices and pan fry until golden on both sides.

fun – explore different types of meat. Chicken breast is lovely cooked in this way.

no broccolini? – replace with a bunch of asparagus or regular broccoli chopped into bite sized trees.

carb lovers / more substantial – serve with roast or mashed potatoes.

pescetarian – replace steak with fish fillets.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

broccolini – will keep for 2-3 weeks in a plastic bag in the fridge. Can be frozen.

steaks – I buy mine in a cryovac pack and they have a shelf life of about 3 weeks. Otherwise freeze.

dried chilli – pantry.

lemons – will keep for months wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge.

Problem Solving Guide

too bland – season with salt & pepper. And more chilli.

too dry – add a little more olive oil.

broccolini too crunchy / soft – next time cook it for longer / less time.

steak tough – sounds like you didn’t bash your steaks out enough. Next time be more aggressive.