Steak Pizzaiola is a classic Italian dish that features juicy steaks simmered in a rich, garlic-infused tomato sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe is made with sirloin steaks, bell peppers, olives, and capers, all simmered together in a savory tomato sauce. The combination of tender steak and tangy sauce is perfect for a hearty dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight family meal or a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless sirloin steaks (1-inch thick)

• 2 teaspoons sea salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided

• 2 small yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)

• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup pitted green olives

• 2 tablespoons capers

Directions

1. Prepare the Steaks:
   Season the steaks with salt and pepper on all sides. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Sear the Steaks:
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the steaks and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the remaining avocado oil to the pan. Add the onions and bell peppers and season with salt. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Garlic and Wine:
   Stir in the garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Add the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook until it evaporates (about 30 seconds).

5. Make the Sauce:
   Add the crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

6. Cook the Steaks:
   Add the steaks back into the pan. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

7. Serve:
   Remove from heat and transfer the steaks to a serving platter. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, and a light salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: 414 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 13g

• Cholesterol: 69mg

• Sodium: 2714mg

• Potassium: 1218mg

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 2432 IU

• Vitamin C: 99mg

• Calcium: 144mg

• Iron: 5mg

The Flavor Profile of Steak Pizzaiola

Steak Pizzaiola is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and satisfying dish. The flavors in this recipe are bold, savory, and well-balanced, with a perfect combination of richness, tanginess, and umami.

The star of the dish is the sirloin steaks, which provide a hearty, juicy base. When seasoned simply with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, the steaks absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce while retaining their tender texture. The quick searing of the steaks before they are simmered in the sauce locks in the flavor and creates a nice crust on the meat.

The sauce itself is a savory blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olives, and capers. The tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that is enhanced by the sharpness of the garlic. The green olives and capers add a burst of saltiness and brininess that contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious balance. The bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce, making each bite even more delightful.

To finish, a splash of white wine helps deglaze the pan, lifting any caramelized bits from the bottom and adding a layer of depth to the sauce. The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the seared steaks.

How to Make Steak Pizzaiola

One of the best things about Steak Pizzaiola is how quick and easy it is to make. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a full, flavorful meal that feels like a special occasion. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation process:

Prepare the Steaks:
Start by seasoning the boneless sirloin steaks with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat. This ensures that the steaks cook evenly and have plenty of flavor.

Sear the Steaks:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side, until they develop a nice brown crust. This step helps seal in the juices and adds flavor to the steaks. After searing, remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining avocado oil and sauté the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.

Add Garlic and White Wine:
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 15 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic oils. Then add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down for about 30 seconds until it has reduced slightly.

Make the Sauce:
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, green olives, and capers to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.

Cook the Steaks:
Return the seared steaks to the skillet and cook them in the sauce for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip them and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. This ensures that the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Serve:
Once the steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon some of the sauce, peppers, olives, and capers over the top of the steaks. Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown of Steak Pizzaiola

Steak Pizzaiola is a hearty and satisfying dish, and it provides a solid balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 414 calories, with 26g of carbohydrates, 30g of protein, and 22g of fat. The dish is a good source of protein, making it ideal for a filling meal, and the healthy fats from avocado oil and olives help keep you satisfied.

In addition to macronutrients, Steak Pizzaiola provides essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A (2432 IU), Vitamin C (99mg), and calcium (144mg). The olives and capers add an extra dose of potassium (1218mg), which helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

While the sodium content is relatively high at 2714mg per serving, this is due to the capers and olives, which are naturally salty. If you need to reduce the sodium, you can use lower-sodium olives and capers or adjust the amount of salt added during preparation.

Serving Suggestions for Steak Pizzaiola

Steak Pizzaiola is a dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Its rich, tangy sauce makes it perfect for dipping crusty bread, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor. You could also serve it with pasta—spaghetti or fettuccine would complement the sauce nicely. If you want to keep things lighter, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and sauce.

For a complete Italian-inspired meal, pair the dish with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, which will complement the bold flavors of the dish.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful Italian Classic

Steak Pizzaiola is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. The juicy steaks, savory tomato sauce, and briny olives and capers make this dish a true Italian classic. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Steak Pizzaiola is sure to impress with its bold, hearty flavors. Quick to make and incredibly delicious, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.