Cuban Beef Steak in Sour Orange and Mint Mojo with Yellow Rice and Seared Pumpkin

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, combine the sour orange juice, half of the garlic, cumin, oregano, half of the mint, 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) pepper. Add the beef steak and half of the onion. Mix well and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. 2

   2. Meanwhile, make the yellow rice. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/3 of the remaining onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the rice and turmeric for 1 minute, then add the hot chicken broth or water, bay leaf, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and a pinch of pepper.

3. 3

   3. Once the rice comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Remove the bay leaf.

4. 4

   4. For the pumpkin, preheat a wide skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 425 °F / 220 °C. Toss the pumpkin with 15 ml (1 tbsp) oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and a pinch of pepper.

5. 5

   5. Sear the pumpkin in the skillet for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and caramelized on the edges. If using the oven, roast for 20 to 25 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, stirring halfway through.

6. 6

   6. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off the excess. Reserve the marinade with the onion. Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat. Cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side, working in batches if needed, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the meat to a plate and keep covered.

7. 7

   7. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the reserved marinade with the onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens and the sauce reduces slightly. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

8. 8

   8. Return the steak and any juices to the skillet, add the rest of the mint, and cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

9. 9

   9. Serve the steak topped with the onion mojo, alongside the yellow rice and hot seared pumpkin.