Criollo steaks with yerba mate-garlic crust, smashed baby potatoes, and warm corn cream

Name: Criollo steaks with yerba mate-garlic crust, smashed baby potatoes, and warm corn cream
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Argentina
Ingredients: 1.5 lb sirloin or strip steaks; 2 tbsp yerba mate; 4 cloves garlic; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1.75 lb baby potatoes; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cups corn kernels; 1 cup onion; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1.5 oz grated sardo cheese; 1/2 cup broth or water; 1 tbsp lemon juice

An original recipe inspired by Argentine flavors: seared beef steaks coated in an aromatic yerba mate, garlic, and parsley crust, served with crispy oven-smashed baby potatoes and a warm corn, onion, and cheese cream. Rustic, comforting, and full of local character.

25 minPrep

45 minCook

70 minTotal

4Servings

High ProteinGluten-Free

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g sirloin or strip steaks (en 4 porciones iguales)
12 g yerba mate (ground fina)
12 g garlic (chopped or grated)
15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
2 g dried oregano
3 g sweet paprika
8 g salt (or a taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
45 ml olive oil (divided)
800 g baby potatoes (with piel)
25 g butter
300 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
150 g onion (chopped fina)
180 ml heavy cream
40 g grated sardo cheese (or a queso duro similar)
120 ml broth or water (for the cream of choclo)
15 ml lemon juice

Nutrition facts

per serving

612 kcal

Calories

37 g

Protein

29 g

Carbs

39 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

25 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

1
1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Wash the baby potatoes and place them in a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Boil for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender but not falling apart.
2
2. Meanwhile, combine the yerba mate, garlic, parsley, dried oregano, sweet paprika, half of the salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the lemon juice in a bowl to form an aromatic paste.
3
3. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and coat both sides with the yerba-garlic paste. Let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
4
4. Drain the potatoes, transfer them to a baking sheet, gently smash them with the bottom of a glass, and dot with the butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season with a little salt and roast for 25 to 30 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until golden and crispy.
5
5. For the warm corn cream, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes using any remaining olive oil from the meat mixture if available; otherwise, use what clings to the bowl. Add the corn and cook 3 minutes more.
6
6. Add the broth or water and the heavy cream. Cook over low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until the corn is tender and the mixture is slightly thickened. Add the grated sardo cheese and stir until melted. Adjust with the remaining salt if needed.
7
7. Blend or mash only half of the corn mixture, then stir it back into the chunky half for a creamy but rustic texture. Keep warm.
8
8. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 5 minutes per side for a more done result. If preferred, check for an internal temperature of about 52 to 55 °C / 125 to 131 °F for medium-rare or 60 to 63 °C / 140 to 145 °F for medium.
9
9. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve each portion with crispy smashed potatoes and a generous spoonful of warm corn cream.
10
10. Finish with a little extra chopped parsley if any remains and serve immediately.

Chef tips

For a more defined crust, press the yerba mixture firmly onto the steaks before cooking. Do not move the meat while searing so it develops a good browned surface.

Substitutions

You can replace the sirloin with strip steak or top round. Sardo cheese can be replaced with Parmesan or reggianito. If your yerba mate is coarse, pulse it briefly before using.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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