Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender steak bursting with zesty, garlicky flavors. That's exactly what you get with this Cuban Style Steak, also known as Bistec Empanizado! The secret? A vibrant mojo marinade made with sour orange juice, lime, garlic, and a medley of spices that infuses the meat with authentic Cuban flair. This recipe brings a taste of Havana right to your kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It's seriously good—maybe even better than that one time I stumbled upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall Cuban restaurant and had my mind blown. (Okay, maybe not quite that good, but close!).
What sets this steak apart is the mojo marinade. Traditional mojo is a flavorful sauce made with sour oranges, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Sour oranges can be tricky to find, but don't worry! I've included a simple substitution using regular orange juice and lime juice that works like a charm. The marinade not only tenderizes the steak but also infuses it with a bright, citrusy tang that perfectly complements the richness of the beef. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth, seriously. Like, remember that time I accidentally added way too much lime juice to a batch and it still tasted incredible? Yeah, it's that forgiving.
Whether you're grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors, this Cuban Style Steak is surprisingly easy to make. The key is to marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve it with classic Cuban sides like white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a complete and satisfying meal. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about this dish for days! One time, I made this for my picky uncle, and he ate two whole steaks! That's how you know it's legit.
Required Equipments
Citrus Juicer
Grill Pan
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Tongs
Meat Thermometer
Cuban Style Steak with Mojo Marinade: Frequently Asked Questions
Cuban Style Steak with Mojo Marinade
Bring the vibrant flavors of Cuba to your dinner table with this incredibly flavorful Cuban Style Steak featuring a zesty mojo marinade. Marinated in a blend of sour orange, garlic, and spices, this steak is tender, juicy, and bursting with authentic Cuban taste.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First things first, let's make the mojo marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens, so don't be shy with the seasonings! I like to add a little extra garlic, but hey, that's just me! Oh and, umm... try not to spill like i do everytime. Haha.
Next, place your steaks in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the steaks, making sure they're fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. I know, waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it's worth it.
When you're ready to cook, take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. While the steaks are resting, preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure its hot!
Now, carefully place the marinated steaks on the hot grill pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll get tough! A little pink inside is perfect, I think. That's just personal preference. What do I know.
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill pan and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Don't skip this step! Seriously, it makes a difference.
Finally, slice the steaks against the grain and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. I love to serve this with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a complete Cuban feast. And maybe a mojito... or two. But who's counting?
Enjoy!
📝 Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mojo marinade.
Serve with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a complete Cuban meal.