This Steak with Green Sauce and Sweet Potatoes is a flavorful, well-balanced meal featuring juicy pan-seared flank steak, a vibrant spinach-based sauce, and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Inspired by Argentina’s chimichurri but with a twist, the sauce is made with fresh spinach, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spices. The sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes perfectly complements the bold flavors of the steak and sauce, making this a satisfying and delicious dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

3 large sweet potatoes or yams
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature)
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

For the Spinach Sauce:

5 oz fresh baby spinach
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Steak:

1 lb flank steak
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

For Garnish:

3 tablespoons salted butter
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then slice them in half lengthwise.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rub the cut sides of the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Place them cut-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for about 30 minutes (or longer) until soft when pierced with a fork.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then remove the skins.
Mash the sweet potato flesh with butter in a large bowl. Set aside.

Spinach Sauce:

While the sweet potatoes bake, prepare the spinach sauce.
In a food processor, combine spinach, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Blend for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Steak:

Season both sides of the flank steak with chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the steak and cook on one side for 5 minutes without moving it.
Flip the steak, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for another 5 minutes (or until desired doneness). A meat thermometer should register 130°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium.
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and return the sliced steak to coat it in the pan juices. Cook for 1-2 minutes if needed.

Assembly:

Divide the mashed sweet potatoes among plates. Top with sliced steak.
Drizzle the spinach sauce over the steak.
Garnish with butter, fresh cilantro or parsley, and additional black pepper.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)

Calories: 733 kcal
Protein: High
Carbohydrates: Moderate (due to sweet potatoes)
Fat: High (healthy fats from olive oil and butter)

Why You’ll Love This Steak Recipe

This dish is delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced, making it a great option for steak lovers who want to enjoy bold flavors with a nutritious twist. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Perfect Flavor Combination – The bold, smoky seasoning on the steak, the fresh and tangy green sauce, and the creamy, naturally sweet mashed potatoes create a beautifully balanced meal.
Packed with Nutrients – This dish is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great meal for energy and satiety.
Easy to Make but Restaurant-Worthy – While the flavors are elevated and gourmet, the steps are simple and easy to follow.
Customizable – You can adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or modify the sauce ingredients to fit your preferences.
Great for Meal Prep – This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and leftovers.

The Secret to a Perfectly Cooked Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning well. However, to get the best texture and flavor, follow these key techniques:

Season Generously – Flank steak benefits from bold seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and salt, which enhance its natural richness.
Use High Heat – Cooking the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet helps achieve a deep, flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
Don’t Move the Steak Too Soon – Let the steak sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
Let It Rest Before Slicing – Allowing the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing helps retain its juices and tenderness.
Slice Against the Grain – Cutting the steak against the grain in thin strips makes it more tender and easier to chew.

A Spinach-Based Green Sauce with a Unique Twist

Inspired by chimichurri, this spinach-based green sauce is a fresh, garlicky, and slightly smoky condiment that elevates the steak with bright flavors. Unlike traditional chimichurri, this sauce uses baby spinach, balsamic vinegar, and warming spices for a unique depth of flavor.

Why This Sauce Works So Well

Spinach Adds Freshness and Vibrancy – Unlike traditional herb-based sauces, spinach provides a milder, nutrient-dense base.
Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar Enhance the Depth – The acidity of balsamic vinegar adds a slight sweetness and richness, while garlic brings a punch of flavor.
A Touch of Cumin and Chili Powder – These warming spices add a subtle smokiness and heat, making the sauce even more flavorful.
Olive Oil for Smoothness – A good-quality olive oil ties everything together, creating a silky texture.

The Best Way to Make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The naturally sweet, earthy flavor of mashed sweet potatoes is the perfect complement to the savory steak and green sauce. Here’s what makes them extra creamy and delicious:

Roasting Instead of Boiling – Roasting sweet potatoes whole enhances their natural sweetness and prevents them from getting watery.
Using Butter and Olive Oil – A mix of butter and olive oil creates a creamy, smooth consistency while adding depth of flavor.
Seasoning Simply – A touch of salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil keeps the mashed potatoes balanced and not overly sweet.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Steak and Green Sauce

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with additional sides for a bigger feast:

Grilled Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a fresh and smoky element.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Earthy and rich, mushrooms complement the umami flavors of the steak.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until golden brown, these add a crispy contrast to the dish.
Avocado Salad – A simple salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette enhances the freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store the steak, mashed sweet potatoes, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The steak can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the mashed sweet potatoes and sauce are best made fresh.
Reheating:
- Steak: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a drizzle of oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Microwave with a splash of water or milk to prevent drying out.
- Spinach Sauce: Serve at room temperature or warm slightly before drizzling over the steak.

Customizing This Recipe

This versatile dish can be adjusted based on dietary preferences or available ingredients:

Make It Spicier – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce.
Use a Different Protein – Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu instead of steak.
Swap the Greens – Use kale, arugula, or parsley instead of spinach for a different twist on the sauce.
Make It Dairy-Free – Replace butter with vegan butter or more olive oil in the mashed sweet potatoes.

Why This Steak Recipe Stands Out

What makes this dish different from other steak recipes?

A Unique Green Sauce – Instead of classic chimichurri or pesto, this sauce uses spinach, balsamic vinegar, and warm spices.
Balanced Sweet and Savory Flavors – The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the bold, smoky steak and tangy sauce.
Simple Yet Sophisticated – The presentation and flavors feel gourmet, but the recipe is easy to follow.
Nutritious and Satisfying – High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great energy-boosting meal.

Conclusion

This Steak with Green Sauce and Sweet Potatoes is a deliciously balanced meal that combines tender, flavorful steak, a garlicky spinach sauce, and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. With rich, bold flavors and a mix of textures, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

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