Grill/Barbecue

Smoky Cocoa Flank Steak

May  6, 2013
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

In the winter, chilies and cocoa give that magnificent kick to our hot chocolate. In the summer they make for equally enticing barbecue experience. Despite the loud ingredients, this is a subtle rub meant to liven up the basic flank steak with a hint of sweet peppery notes. The quantities listed will yield what might look like a tiny amount of rub for a slab of meat, but avoid temptation to add more. And, avoid mistaking the chili powder blend (chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and salt) with chili powder. I sort of like how readily available blends work in this recipe, but if you have your own special mix, even better. And remember, you should not be tasting the chili in the dish! —QueenSashy

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • The Steak
  • One flank steak, about 1 ¾ - 2 lb
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Smoky Cocoa Rub
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder blend (see note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
  1. Combine the rub ingredients. Lightly brush the steak with oil. Rub the rub well into the steak. Allow the steak to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the grill. Grill the steak over direct heat to your desired doneness, about 14 minutes for medium rare, turning occasionally. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Cut the steak into thin slices, (if like to throw additional pitch of salt and pepper) and serve immediately.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • pidgeon92
    pidgeon92
  • michelle
    michelle
  • anotherfoodieblogger
    anotherfoodieblogger
  • lapadia
    lapadia
  • QueenSashy
    QueenSashy
Aleksandra aka QueenSashy is a scientist by day, and cook, photographer and doodler by night. When she is not writing code and formulas, she blogs about food, life and everything in between on her blog, Three Little Halves. Three Little Halves was nominated for 2015 James Beard Awards and the finalist for 2014 Saveur Best Food Blog Awards. Aleksandra lives in New York City with her other two halves, Miss Pain and Dr. V.

8 Reviews

pidgeon92 August 4, 2015
I made this a couple of months ago, and it was fantastic. Going to make it again this weekend when the in-laws come to visit. Thanks for sharing.
 
QueenSashy August 4, 2015
So glad you liked in, and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave the comment!
 
michelle February 24, 2014
I made this tonight for dinner and my family absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to make it again. This is definitely a recipe that will end up in my regular recipe rotation. I will be trying this rub on other pieces of meat! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
 
QueenSashy February 25, 2014
Michelle, thanks for letting me know... I have not made it in ages, so this was a great reminder!
 
Oh, what a great idea to add cocoa to the rub!
 
QueenSashy May 6, 2013
Thank you!
 
lapadia May 6, 2013
Nice! Love the addition of Chinese five spice...
 
QueenSashy May 6, 2013
Thank you!