Italian Seared Beef

Tender seared beef, peppery rocket, green pesto and Parmesan come together in this simple Italian-inspired dish. Ready in around 30 minutes, it’s a fresh and satisfying option for an easy dinner for two.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 250g rump steak
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 2 heaped teaspoons green pesto
• 40g rocket
• 15g Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Place a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, tossing regularly, until lightly golden. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
2. Trim the visible fat from the rump steak and finely chop it. Add the fat to the hot pan and cook until rendered and crisp. Remove the crispy pieces with a slotted spoon and reserve.
3. Season the steak lightly with salt and pepper. Place between two sheets of baking paper and gently flatten with a rolling pin or meat mallet until approximately 1cm thick.
4. Return the pan to high heat. Add the steak and sear for approximately 1 minute on each side, or cook longer if you prefer your beef more well done. Transfer to a board and allow to rest for a few minutes.
5. Spread the green pesto across a serving platter. Thinly slice the rested steak on an angle and arrange it over the pesto.
6. Combine the steak’s resting juices with the extra virgin olive oil and drizzle over the sliced beef.
7. Top with the rocket, toasted pine nuts and reserved crispy pieces. Finish with finely shaved Parmesan and a little freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.