What's For Dinner: Flap Steak with Herb-Hazelnut Salsa

Another recipe courtesy of Food & Wine magazine. This recipe comes from the September 2009 issue, which seems to be my go-to issue of late! When I asked the butcher at Whole Foods for skirt steak, he replied that they didn't have any, nor did they have hanger steak. He suggested flap steak as a substitute, and I took his suggestion. I put together the herb-nut salsa and, as resident grillmaster, D was in charge of cooking the meat. He cooked it up perfectly -- medium rare and quite juicy. The herb-nut salsa adds a bit of a piquant flavor and contrasts quite well with the rich red meat.

Flap Steak with Herb-Hazelnut Salsa (printer-friendly version)

makes 2 servings

For the steak:

1 lb flap steak (or try skirt or hanger steak)

olive oil

fine sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

For the salsa:

1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced

1/4 cup fresh chives, snipped

2 teaspoons fresh tarragon, minced

2 teaspoons capers, rinsed

1 medium shallot, minced

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

fine sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.

2. Add the chopped hazelnuts to the skillet and toast until fragrant (about 5-10 minutes). Stir frequently to prevent the hazelnuts from burning.

3. Place the hazelnuts in a medium-sized bowl. Add in the fresh herbs, capers, and minced shallot.

4. Stir in the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

5. Light the grill.

6. Rub the flap steak with olive oil and season liberally with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Cook the meat on the grill over moderately high heat for about six minutes per side. Remove from the grill and let rest for at least five minutes on a cutting board.

8. Slice the meat against the grain and serve with the herb salsa.

(adapted from this Food & Wine recipe)