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Steak and Greens Recipe (Keto Steak Dinner) 🥩🥗

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Get ready for a tasty and easy-to-make low-carb recipe: Steak and Greens! Picture a juicy Tri-Tip steak served on a bed of fresh leafy greens, drizzled with vibrant olive oil and zesty lemon dressing. To make it even more amazing, we've included a tangy Romesco sauce. This tasty meal is perfect for those on a keto diet or anyone craving a healthy and flavorful keto steak dinner.

Steak and greens on a plate with romesco sauce
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Preparation and cooking overview

You can enjoy this flavorful steak with greens in just 45 minutes. Start by seasoning the Tri-Tip steak with sea salt and pepper and let it rest. Meanwhile, create the Romesco sauce with roasted red pepper, almonds, garlic, and spices. When ready, sear the steak in a hot skillet to your preferred doneness. It's as simple as that - delicious and easy.

Chef's note

Spice up this low carb steak dinner by adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction on your sliced steak. Feel free to mix and match your greens, too - spinach, arugula, or even kale. Remember, a keto diet can be as exciting and creative as you want it to be. So, explore and enjoy the flavorful possibilities!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🥩 Ingredients for this steak and greens recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this Keto Steak recipe:

Steak

  • 12 ounces Tri-Tip steak
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Greens

  • 5 cups leafy greens
  • 1 ounce freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Romesco sauce

  • 1 large roasted red pepper from a jar
  • ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Need to swap out ingredients or don't have them on hand? No worries, we've got you covered with these keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Unsalted butter: Use ghee or clarified butter instead.
  • Leafy greens: Try spinach, kale, or mixed salad greens as keto-friendly alternatives.
  • Freshly grated parmesan: Opt for shredded or crumbled keto-friendly cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
  • Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice for a tangy twist.
  • Red wine vinegar: Use sherry vinegar as a mellow and slightly sweet alternative.
  • Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder provides a similar depth of flavor.

Additional ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor.
  • Sliced avocado: Include creamy avocado slices to complement the steak.
  • Crispy bacon bits: Sprinkle crumbled bacon for added texture and savory notes.
  • Sautéed mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms until golden and tender for savory umami flavors.
  • Thinly sliced red onions: Top it off with thinly sliced red onions to add a crunchy element and extra flavor.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Steak Dinner recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 10.5'' or larger cast-iron skillet
  • Food processor
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen towel
  • Bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Lemon squeezer

Tools substitute options

  • Skillet: No cast-iron skillet? No worries, a regular non-stick skillet or a grill pan will work just fine.
  • Food processor: Don't have a food processor? A blender will do for your Romesco sauce. If not, finely chop your roasted red pepper, garlic, and toasted almonds, then mix them with the other sauce ingredients.
  • Lemon squeezer: If you don't have a lemon squeezer or juicer, simply hand-squeeze your lemon, but make sure to catch any seeds before they fall into your dish.
  • Tongs or spatula: If tongs or a spatula aren't available, a fork will work for flipping and managing your steak while cooking.
Steak and greens on a plate with romesco sauce

How to make Steak and Greens: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Wash the leafy greens.
  3. Squeeze lemon juice and put it in a small bowl.

Cooking instructions

  1. Begin by drying your steaks with a clean towel and generously seasoning them with salt and pepper. Leave them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. During this time, create your Romesco sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until finely chopped, then refrigerate.
  3. Next, heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke.
  4. Place the steaks in the pan and cook, flipping every minute, until the internal temperature hits 110°F (40°C) for rare, 130°F (55°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (60°C) for medium.
  5. Add butter and cook for an additional minute or until you achieve your desired temperature. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Toss the greens in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Evenly distribute between two plates and top with Parmesan cheese.
  7. Add a dollop of your chilled Romesco sauce to each plate and place the sliced steak on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Chef's pro tip

To make a delicious Keto Steak Dinner, it's important to heat the skillet properly. A hot skillet is essential for getting a nice sear on the steaks. Before adding the steaks, make sure the skillet is really hot and starting to smoke a bit. This will give the steaks a tasty caramelized crust and the mouthwatering flavor you love. 

What to serve with steaks and greens?

Pair the steak and greens with other side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some delicious ideas:

  • Keto creamed spinach: Pair the steak and greens with our Keto Creamy Spinach for a delicious and satisfying meal. 
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Crispy and flavorful, the Keto Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts make a great keto-friendly side.
  • Cauliflower mash: Our creamy and low-carb Keto Mashed Cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes.
  • Roasted asparagus: Beautifully roasted, our Mediterranean Asparagus adds a vibrant and nutritious element to your meal.
  • Sautéed mushrooms: Golden and savory, sautéed mushrooms are a delightful addition that enhances the flavors of the steak.
  • Zucchini noodles: For a lighter option, sauté spiralized zucchini into noodles as a vegetable-packed bed for the steak.

How to make it healthier

You can make this recipe even healthier by following these tips:

  • Go for leaner cuts of steak: Choose lean cuts of steak, such as sirloin or tenderloin, which are lower in fat. 
  • Increase vegetable-to-meat ratio: Boost the nutritional profile of the recipe by increasing the portion of leafy greens and reducing the amount of steak. 
  • Use healthier cooking methods: Instead of pan-frying the steak, try grilling or baking it. 
  • Be mindful of salt intake: Reduce the added salt in the recipe by seasoning the steak with less salt or using alternatives like herbs, spices, or low-sodium seasoning blends.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-washed and pre-cut greens: Buy pre-washed and pre-cut leafy greens, such as bagged salad mixes or pre-packaged greens.
  • Invest in a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer helps you cook your steak more accurately and efficiently. By monitoring the internal temperature, you can achieve your desired level of doneness easily.
  • Multi-task: While the steak is cooking, wash and dry the leafy greens. This way, you'll have the greens ready to toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice as soon as the steaks are done.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinate the steaks in advance: Marinate the steaks overnight or a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to develop and permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish when it's time to cook.
  • Make the Romesco sauce in advance: Prepare the Romesco sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked steak and greens separately in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. Refrigerate the cooked steak salad within two hours to prevent bacteria growth. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: To freeze steaks, wrap them with plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Properly frozen steak can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Reheat the keto steak meal separately. Place the steak in a microwave-safe dish or on a plate and the greens in a different dish. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
  • Stove: Reheat the greens in a skillet on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated to your liking.
  • Oven: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat the steak for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Quickly sauté the greens in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it! A sizzling and fulfilling keto dinner of Steak and Greens is ready to delight your senses. This recipe is a flavor-packed masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with happiness. Imagine succulent seared steaks, tantalizing Romesco sauce, and a revitalizing salad filled with vibrant greens.

Frequently asked questions

Steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, creamy spinach, or a refreshing salad. Feel free to get creative and explore different flavors to find your perfect steak companion!

Classic choices for steak pairings include arugula, watercress, spinach, and kale. These leafy greens offer a fresh and vibrant contrast to the richness of the steak, adding a burst of flavor and nutrition to your plate.

Steaks may turn green occasionally due to oxidation. When the meat comes into contact with air, the iron present reacts with oxygen, resulting in the formation of iron oxide. This chemical reaction can lead to a greenish hue on the surface of the steak. It's important to note that a green steak doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad.

Contrary to popular belief, the red liquid often seen in a steak is not blood. It is a combination of water and a protein called myoglobin, which gives meat its red or pink color. During the cooking process, the myoglobin may coagulate and release some of its liquid, leading to the appearance of "juices" in the steak.

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Tri-Tip steak, you can experiment with other cuts that suit your preference and dietary needs. Some great alternatives include ribeye, New York strip, flank steak, or even a tender filet mignon. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.

📖 Recipe

Steak and greens on a plate with romesco sauce

Steak and Greens

Such a simple meal that's not only delicious but healthy as well. We're serving up a pan-seared steak with a delicious simple salad with fresh parmesan and a tangy romesco sauce that ties it all together. This may just become your go-to steak dinner!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: date-night, easy, keto, keto steak dinner
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 924kcal

Ingredients

Steak:

  • 12 ounces Tri-Tip steak
  • Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoons unsalted butter

Greens:

  • 5 cups leafy greens
  • 1 ounce fresh grated parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Romesco Sauce:

  • 1 large roasted red pepper from a jar
  • ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Pat the steaks dry with a clean kitchen towel, season well with salt and pepper. Rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • While the steak is resting make the Romesco sauce by placing all of the ingredients in a food processor and blending until very finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Heat the oil in a 10.5” or larger cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
  • Place the steaks in the pan and cook, flipping every minute, until the internal temperature hits 110°F (40°C) for rare, 130°F (55°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (60°C) for medium.
  • Add the butter and cook another minute or so until the temperature is reached. Remove the steaks from the pan and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • In a large bowl, toss the greens with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Divide between two plates and top with the parmesan.
  • Add a dollop of your chilled Romesco sauce to each plate and place the sliced steak on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Steak and Greens
Amount Per Serving
Calories 924 Calories from Fat 720
% Daily Value*
Fat 80g123%
Saturated Fat 18g113%
Cholesterol 137mg46%
Sodium 598mg26%
Potassium 833mg24%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 45g90%
Vitamin A 1868IU37%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 267mg27%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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