Steak with pistachio pesto

Steak with pistachio pesto recipe

Originating from Sicily, Italy, pistachio pesto is the flavour sensation you didn’t know you needed in your life. The vibrant condiment is made using pistachio and rocket in place of the traditional pine nuts and basil leaves (although some variations still include basil), and is loved for its creamy, earthy notes. Not only will this easy pesto transform pasta dishes, dip plates and salads, it will take your next steak night from barbeque basics to gold star gourmet in just 15 minutes from start to finish.

Cooking the perfect steak

The secret to success when preparing this simple pesto steak recipe is in how you cook the meat. If you’re cooking indoors, opt for a thick based pan like a heavy griddle or cast-iron skillet, as they retain the heat well and will help to achieve that perfect finish. A simple salt and pepper seasoning is all you’ll need, thanks to the pistachio pesto, and you’ll want to salt it about two hours before you get cooking. Add some flavourless oil to the pan and heat, then add your steak and a knob of butter for maximum flavour. The length of cooking time each side will depend on the size and weight of your steak, as well as your preference of rare, medium or well done. An average eye fillet will need about two and a half minutes each side (turning only once) for a medium-rare result. Leaving your steak to rest for at least five minutes after cooking is essential to get the most juicy and flavourful result.

Pesto for steak variations

Steak and pesto is a genius combination for a flavour-filled meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress family and friends, and there’s an almost endless list of pesto varieties to try. Traditional basil and this Sicilian-inspired pistachio pesto are most common, but any pesto sauce for steak works well. You might like to try a Mexican twist by using pepitas and coriander (leave out the parmesan for this one). Or try ricotta, red capsicum and sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy alternative, while adding walnuts and sun-dried tomatoes to the original pesto recipe is a delicious way to enhance the flavour.

Now get cooking

Inspired to get grilling? For more tasty steak dinner options, check out this garlic and oregano steak with olive peperonata, chargrilled steak with baby broccoli or mix it up with these grilled steak and cheese open sandwiches. If it’s the green goodness of pesto you want to incorporate into your meals, this spaghetti with kale and parsley pesto is a crowd favourite for vegetarians, or try a chicken pesto pasta. For an easy dinner win, you can’t go past this pesto spaghetti with pancetta and tomato for some added crunch.