Spicy Chipotle Steak

Craving a steak with some serious Southwestern flair? Enter spicy chipotle steak. Featuring char-grilled steak infused with the smoky bite of chipotle chiles, this dish packs some heat. A flavorful dry rub permeates the meat, while a creamy chipotle-lime sauce provides the perfect cooling contrast with each juicy bite. Easy to make yet big on taste, this steak recipe will ignite your grilling game with mouthwatering Mexican zest.

An Introduction to Chipotle Peppers

Smoky chipotle chile peppers are the star ingredient that gives this steak its signature flavor. Here’s an overview:

What are Chipotles?

Chipotles are smoked and dried ripe jalapeño peppers used widely in Mexican cuisine.

Smoking Process

Chipotles are created by allowing jalapeños to ripen until red, then smoking and drying them.

Flavor Profile

The smoking imparts a deep, smoldering flavor that’s both spicy and slightly sweet.

Heat Level

Chipotles register around 2,500-10,000 on the Scoville scale, less than other chiles.

Chipotle chiles infuse food with addictive smoky spice and heat.

Marinating Steak with Chipotles

Infusing steak with chipotle flavor requires the right technique. Here’s how:

Use Dried Chipotles

Rehydrated dried chiles pack the most concentrated smoky flavor.

Make a Purée

Blend chopped dried chipotles with olive oil, garlic, spices to form a wet paste-like marinade.

Coat Thoroughly

Slather chipotle purée all over steaks to permeate flavor deep into meat.

Marinate Overnight

Letting steaks soak in marinade in the fridge 8-12 hours really amplifies flavor.

Pat Dry Before Cooking

Gently blot steaks with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before grilling.

With the right technique, chipotle chiles infuse incredible flavor.

Grilling Steak Perfectly

Proper grilling ensures steaks that are full of flavor and juiciness:

Use Direct High Heat

Create a hot fire or heat grill to 500°F+ to sear the exterior.

Don’t Move Too Much

Flip only once during cooking for nice grill marks.

Let Meat Rest

Allowing steak to rest 5-10 minutes after grilling redistributes juices.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to test for perfect medium rare doneness.

Slice Against the Grain

Slicing perpendicular to meat fibers makes for the most tender texture.

With proper grill techniques, you’ll achieve juicy perfection.

Recipe for Chipotle Steak with Creamy Avocado Sauce

This restaurant-worthy steak is easier to make than you think.

Steak Ingredients:

• 2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak
• 3 dried chipotle chiles
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp cumin
• Juice of 1 lime

Avocado Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine chipotle chiles, oil, garlic, cumin and lime juice in blender. Pour over steak in dish, turning to coat. Refrigerate overnight.
2. Grill steak over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine avocado sauce ingredients in blender until smooth.
4. Slice steak against the grain. Serve topped with creamy avocado sauce.

For extra smoky flavor, add diced grilled onions. Enjoy this bold and delicious chipotle steak!

Expert Tips for Success

Use these helpful tricks:

• Remove papery skin of dried chiles before blending for smoother marinade.
• Add oil to marinade slowly until desired consistency is reached.
• Consider marinating overnight for most intense chipotle flavor.
• Use tongs instead of fork to avoid piercing meat while grilling.
• Let meat rest before slicing to retain juices.

With proper preparation and cooking, you’ll get amazing results from this recipe.

The Evolution of Steak

Steak has become a beloved food over time, evolving in different cultures:

Ancient Beginnings

Humans have grilled meat over fire for thousands of years as an available food source.

1800s America

Beef steaks grew in demand in the U.S. as the West opened up cattle ranching.

Early 1900s

Affordable beef made steak and potatoes an iconic American middle-class meal.

Steakhouse Craze

Upscale steakhouses proliferated in mid-1900s urban America.

Today

Steak remains beloved worldwide as creative flavors expand its versatility.

This timeless meal continues satisfying meat lovers everywhere.

Conclusion

Spicy chipotle steak brings incredible Southwestern flair to a backyard barbecue classic. Rubbing steak with a smoky, spicy chipotle chile marinade infuses it with addictive flavor down to the last juicy bite. Grilling over high heat caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside tender and pink. Serve slices of zesty chipotle steak with a cooling creamy avocado sauce for the perfect combo of spicy and refreshing. This easy recipe will bring fun Tex-Mex personality to your next cookout!

FAQs

What cuts of steak work best?

Tender cuts like ribeye, New York strip, tenderloin, tri-tip and sirloin work wonderfully with the flavors of this recipe.

Can you use canned chipotle peppers?

Yes, canned chipotles in adobo sauce can substitute for dried. Use about 2-3 peppers.

What sides go well with this steak?

Savory flavors like Mexican rice, beans, elote, grilled vegetables and warm tortillas complement it beautifully.

What is a good chipotle marinade substitute?

Cumin, ancho chile, smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire, and lime also make tasty spicy marinades.

Can you grill chipotle steak on a stove?

Yes, use a cast iron grill pan over high heat of 500°F+ to achieve similar caramelized char-grilled results.

In summary, infusing steak with spicy chipotle chiles transforms an everyday bbq into a showstopping Tex-Mex fiesta.