Flank Steak with Peppers and Onions

There is something about the flavors of coffee and beef that go together so well. A little bit of brown sugar in the spice mixture adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this Flank Steak with Peppers and Onions.

Ingredients

for the spice rub
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt

1 to 1½ pounds flank steak, cut into 2-3 pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large onion, cut into wedges
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 red, green and yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
juice of ½ lime, plus lime wedges for serving

Directions

make the spice rub:
Combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, the instant coffee, cocoa powder, ground cumin, chili powder, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Generously rub steak with the coffee spice mixture.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add steak, in batches if necessary and reduce heat to medium; cook, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to cutting board; cover loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice the steak across the grain. Reserve the juices in the skillet.

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon brown sugar and the onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste; cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and golden. Add the bell peppers and ¼ cup water; cook, stirring until crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice.

Divide the steak, bell peppers, onion and the juices from the skillet among plates. Serve with lime wedges.

Serves 4

Recipe hint
Flank steaks yield juicy results when quickly cooked to medium-rare or medium; cooking longer can make the meat tough.

Variation
Feel free to get creative with the uses for this spice rub. T-bone steak, ribs, venison, chicken and salmon are fantastic. This rub is also great for quick-cooking fajitas.

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