Flavorful Cumin-Rubbed Sirloin Steak with Zesty Avocado Salsa: Your Ultimate Healthy Grilling Recipe
Elevate your grilling game with this incredibly juicy and flavorful cumin-rubbed sirloin steak, perfectly complemented by a vibrant, fresh avocado salsa. This Mexican-inspired dish is not only bursting with taste but also packed with healthy fats and lean protein, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re adhering to a Whole30, Paleo, or Keto lifestyle, this recipe fits seamlessly into your dietary plans, offering a delicious and satisfying experience without compromise.
Summer Sundays are truly special, a time for relaxation and delicious food. For us, it often means firing up the grill, where my husband, Jason, takes on the role of grillmaster, leaving me to focus on preparing delightful side dishes. Our meal planning usually revolves around the best protein deals of the week, which we then grill to perfection, making meal prep a breeze. There’s an undeniable magic in the smoky aroma and rich flavor that only comes from cooking meat over an open flame. It’s an experience that truly defines summer dining.
While premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon are always a treat, affordable options like sirloin steak and flat iron steak are fantastic for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners. The secret to transforming these cuts into something extraordinary lies in a well-crafted seasoning rub. A potent blend of spices can significantly enhance the meat’s natural flavor, especially when grilling. Cumin, a staple in my kitchen, is the star of this simple yet impactful rub, making it a natural choice for enhancing our sirloin steak.
The Aromatic Power of Cumin
Cumin, with its warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor, is a spice that truly awakens the senses. It’s incredibly versatile and features prominently in many cuisines, especially Mexican and Indian dishes. When applied generously as a rub, it penetrates the steak, infusing every bite with a deep, complex flavor that’s both comforting and exotic. Beyond just cumin, our rub includes other essential spices that contribute to its depth: garlic powder adds a foundational savory note, smoked paprika introduces a delightful smokiness and a hint of sweetness (regular paprika works fine too if smoked isn’t available), and a balanced touch of Kosher salt and black pepper perfects the seasoning. This combination ensures a robust flavor profile that stands up beautifully to the intense heat of the grill.
Other Recipes I Love Using Cumin:
- Beef Barbacoa
- Crispy Turmeric Chicken Thighs
- Chipotle Chocolate Chili
The Refreshing Touch of Avocado Salsa
What pairs perfectly with a savory, spiced steak? A bright, creamy, and utterly refreshing avocado salsa! This isn’t just any salsa; it’s a vibrant medley of fresh, diced avocados, tangy lime juice, a hint of extra cumin for cohesion, fresh cilantro, and juicy tomatoes. If you enjoy a bit of sharpness, finely diced red onion can also be added, though I prefer to omit raw onions from my salsa for a smoother texture. This salsa is incredibly easy to prepare and provides a delightful contrast to the rich steak, offering healthy fats and a burst of fresh flavors that elevate the entire meal. It’s the kind of side that becomes an instant favorite and truly completes the dining experience.
While this Cumin-Rubbed Sirloin Steak can certainly be prepared in a grill pan indoors, taking it outside to a charcoal or gas grill infuses the meat with an unparalleled depth of smoky flavor that is simply perfect for warm weather. The open flame creates a beautiful char on the exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy. The cumin spice rub is versatile enough to be used on other cuts of meat as well, though the intensity of the seasoning can be adjusted based on the cut and your personal preference. Sirloin, with its good balance of flavor and tenderness, readily absorbs the bold spices, making it an excellent canvas for this rub.
This avocado salsa isn’t just for steak – it’s incredibly versatile and tastes fantastic on almost anything! I often prepare a larger batch and store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator. The lime juice helps prevent the avocados from browning, keeping the salsa fresh and vibrant for a couple of days. For a complete and satisfying meal, I love serving this dish with a side of roasted broccoli or crispy sweet potato fries. A hearty salad, like a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, also makes an excellent accompaniment. The best part? This meal is incredibly clean, aligning perfectly with Paleo, Whole30, and low-carb dietary guidelines. As someone currently on day 9 of Whole30, this Cumin-Rubbed Sirloin Steak with Avocado Salsa is a delicious and compliant dinner I could happily enjoy every week.
Grilling Sirloin Steak to Perfection
Achieving a perfectly grilled sirloin steak is simpler than you might think, and a few key steps make all the difference. First, allowing your steak to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before grilling ensures more even cooking. This prevents the outside from burning while the inside remains cold. Once ready, a light brush of avocado oil (or olive oil) on the steak helps the cumin rub adhere and prevents sticking, while promoting a beautiful crust. Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. High heat is essential for searing the steak quickly, locking in juices and developing that coveted char. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness, adjusting based on the steak’s thickness and your preference. Remember, internal temperature is key: aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium. Once cooked, the most crucial step is to let the steak rest. Tent it loosely with foil and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and succulent steak. Finally, always slice your steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every bite.
Cumin Rubbed Sirloin Steak with Avocado Salsa
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Ingredients
For the Cumin-Rubbed Steak
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – regular paprika can be used if smoked is unavailable
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil – extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) also works well
- 1 lb sirloin steaks – typically 4 ounces per steak
For the Fresh Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced – Hass avocados are highly recommended for their creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, freshly juiced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cumin-Rubbed Sirloin Steak
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In a small bowl or ramekin, combine all the dry spices (cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and black pepper) to create the flavorful rub. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
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Remove the sirloin steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step promotes more even cooking. Just before placing them on the grill, lightly brush each steak with avocado oil and generously coat both sides with the prepared spice rub.
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Preheat your outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan to high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steaks and grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness (e.g., less time for rare, more for well-done).
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Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist steak. Always slice against the grain for the best texture.
Fresh Avocado Salsa
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In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Spoon this fresh avocado salsa generously over the sliced cumin-rubbed steaks just before serving.
Nutrition
In conclusion, this Cumin-Rubbed Sirloin Steak with Fresh Avocado Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings a touch of healthy, Mexican-inspired zest to your table. It’s an effortless yet impressive meal perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you crave something satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy the bold, smoky notes of the steak perfectly balanced by the creamy, zesty salsa. It’s a dish that promises to delight your taste buds and nourish your body, proving that healthy eating can indeed be incredibly delicious. Give it a try and discover your new favorite grilling sensation!
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