The Sicilian name for this dish is Carne Arrustuta, which simply means roasted meat. In the Italian language the dish is called Bistecca alla Griglia, or grilled steak.
Whenever I have guests over for dinner, I try to plan a menu that involves dishes that are easy to make or can be prepared ahead of time. This is one of my go-to dishes to make if I know I’ll be pressed for time. All it requires is a large steak and a few basic ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Less than five minutes of prep time is involved for this easy and delicious dish. For a great presentation, serve the steak sliced thinly on a bed of arugula salad and shaved parmesan cheese. This recipe can also be made using flank steak.
Sicilian Style Grilled Marinated Steak:
Carne Arrustuta (Bistecca Siciliana alla Griglia)
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Makes 4 servings.
FOR THE STEAK:
1 (1 1/2 pound) Top Sirloin or London Broil
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons green onion, finely sliced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
2 dried bay leaves, crumbled
FOR THE ARUGULA SALAD (OPTIONAL):
3 cups arugula
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red wine or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. MARINATE THE STEAK: Wipe the steak dry with a paper towel and place in a small baking dish. Crush the garlic clove with a garlic press or alternatively, mash with a small amount of salt on a wooden board using the flat side of a chef knife. Rub half of the olive oil and garlic evenly on each side of the steak. Drizzle the lemon juice on both sides and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then sprinkle half of the lemon zest, oregano, bay leaves, green onion and red pepper (if using) on each side of the steak. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 1 hour before you plan on cooking it.
2. GRILL THE STEAK: Preheat gas grill on medium-high, or prepare a med-high charcoal fire. Cook approximately 8 to 9 minutes on each side for medium-rare, until thermometer inserted into thickest part reads 125 degrees F. Transfer steak to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let rest 10 minutes. The steak will continue to cook. Cut into thin slices at a 45 degree angle.
3. MAKE THE ARUGULA SALAD: Combine the arugula, olive oil, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss in the shaved parmesan. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with sliced steak.
