Experience the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this delightful Flank Steak Santa Fe recipe! Straight from the kitchen of Tanya Johnson in San Diego, California, this dish is a true representation of the region’s culinary delights. Perfect for special Saturday-night dinners, this recipe has become a beloved favorite in Tanya’s family.
INGREDIENTS:
- ¾ pound bulk spicy pork sausage or uncooked chorizo
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1½ cups unseasoned croutons
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 beef flank steak (1½ to 2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce or salsa verde
- Additional picante sauce or salsa verde (optional)
PREPARATIONS:
- Crumble the sausage into a large skillet and cook and stir it for 6-8 minutes over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir in the eggs, croutons, sliced green onions, and minced parsley.
- Cut the flank steak in half horizontally, leaving ½ inch uncut from one end. Open the steak and pound it to a thickness of 1½ inches. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the steak. Roll up the steak jelly-roll style, starting from a short side, and tie it securely with string.
- In a large skillet, brown the rolled steak in canola oil. Place the browned steak in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread picante sauce or salsa verde over it.
- Cover the dish and bake the steak at 350°F for 1½ to 1¾ hours or until the meat becomes tender. Garnish with additional picante sauce or salsa verde if desired.
YIELD: 6-8 servings
COOKING TIME: 1½ hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider using spicy pork sausage or uncooked chorizo in the recipe. It will add a delightful kick to the dish, perfectly complementing the Southwest seasonings.
TIPS:
- To ensure the steak cooks evenly and remains tender, make sure to cut it in half horizontally and pound it to a uniform thickness before spreading the sausage mixture and rolling it up.
- If you prefer a spicier version, opt for a picante sauce or salsa verde with a higher spice level. Alternatively, serve the dish with additional picante sauce or salsa verde on the side for those who enjoy an extra punch of heat.
In the heart of San Diego, California, Tanya Johnson’s Flank Steak Santa Fe recipe captures the vibrant and bold flavors of the Southwest region. Perfect for those special Saturday-night dinners, this dish is a true favorite in her family and will surely become a beloved staple in yours too.
As you prepare the recipe, don’t shy away from using spicy pork sausage or uncooked chorizo to enhance the dish’s overall spiciness. The combination of the sausage’s boldness and the Southwest seasonings will create a taste explosion that will leave your taste buds delighted.
Taking a flank steak and transforming it into a savory roll filled with a delicious mixture of sausage, eggs, croutons, green onions, and parsley adds a unique and enticing twist to the traditional steak preparation. After browning the rolled steak in canola oil, it’s generously covered with picante sauce or salsa verde to infuse it with even more Southwestern flair.
The secret to achieving a tender and succulent outcome lies in cutting the flank steak in half and pounding it to an even thickness before rolling it up with the sausage filling. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and retains its juicy goodness.
When serving, you have the option to use a picante sauce or salsa verde with varying spice levels to suit your preferences. For those who crave an extra kick of heat, additional picante sauce or salsa verde can be offered on the side.
From the Germans’ rouladen to the Italians’ braciole, rolled steaks have a rich and diverse history across various cultures. In this Flank Steak Santa Fe version, the marriage of Southwest seasonings and flavors creates a dish that is uniquely American and oozing with deliciousness.
In conclusion, Tanya Johnson’s Flank Steak Santa Fe is a culinary delight that transports you straight to the heart of the Southwest with every delectable bite. Whether enjoyed during special family dinners or any other occasion, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and become a cherished favorite in your household.




