Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak With Corn-Chile Relish

Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak with Corn-Chile Relish is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold, smoky flavors of a seasoned flank steak with the sweet and spicy kick of a fresh corn and chile relish. The flank steak is coated with a blend of spices that caramelize beautifully when grilled or seared, creating a rich, savory crust. The corn and chile relish, made with roasted corn, peppers, and a touch of lime, adds a zesty, vibrant contrast that complements the steak perfectly.

The first time I made Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak with Corn-Chile Relish, I was amazed by how well the smoky, spiced steak paired with the freshness and heat of the relish. The corn added a natural sweetness, while the chiles provided a subtle heat that balanced the richness of the steak. What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is—you can add more heat to the relish with additional peppers, or even swap in a different cut of steak for a unique variation. It’s a perfect dish for a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion when you want something both flavorful and visually stunning!

Perfect for:

Summer cookouts
Family dinners
Game day gatherings
Celebrating steak lovers
Impressing guests with a simple yet gourmet meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak With Corn-Chile Relish will become a household favorite:

Flavorful Spice Rub: A blend of smoky and savory spices enhances the natural taste of the steak.
Juicy and Tender Steak: Flank steak is cooked to perfection, delivering a mouthwatering texture.
Vibrant Relish: The corn-chile relish adds a sweet, spicy, and tangy contrast to the rich steak.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all levels.
Quick Cooking Time: Flank steak cooks in minutes, making this a great weeknight dinner option.
Great for Entertaining: Its stunning presentation and robust flavors wow any crowd.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the relish to suit your taste.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this dish is a wholesome choice.
Works on Any Grill: Perfect for outdoor grilling or an indoor grill pan.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the spice rub and relish ahead of time to streamline dinner preparation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

The Flank Steak:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Corn-Chile Relish:

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the spice rub.
Fresh Corn: Brings natural sweetness to the relish.
Jalapeño: Provides a subtle kick of heat.
Lime Juice: Brightens and balances the flavors of the relish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spice Rub:

Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Rub the Steak: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice mixture. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Make the Corn-Chile Relish:

Cook the Corn: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, dry-toast the corn kernels for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the charred corn with red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Flank Steak:

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness.
Rest the Steak: Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.

Serve:

Slice and Plate: Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Serve topped with corn-chile relish. Enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak With Corn-Chile Relish:

With Warm Tortillas: Turn it into steak tacos.
Over Rice: Serve with steamed rice for a hearty meal.
With Grilled Veggies: Pair with grilled zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant.
In a Salad: Top a mixed greens salad for a light yet satisfying dish.
As a Sandwich: Use ciabatta or sourdough bread for a steak sandwich.
With Potato Wedges: Add crispy potato wedges for a comforting side.
As a Bowl: Layer steak and relish over quinoa or farro.
With a Side of Beans: Serve alongside black beans or refried beans.
For Meal Prep: Pack with your favorite grain and veggies for a ready-to-go meal.
As an Appetizer: Slice thinly and serve on crostini with a dollop of relish.

Additional Tips

Rest the Steak: Always let the steak rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness.
Char the Corn: For extra flavor, grill the corn instead of using a skillet.
Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less cayenne and jalapeño to suit your heat preference.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential for a bright, fresh relish.
Slice Against the Grain: This helps ensure tender slices of flank steak.

Recipe Variations

Chipotle Rubbed Steak: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
Peach-Corn Relish: Swap the red bell pepper for diced fresh peaches for a sweet twist.
Asian-Inspired Flavors: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the rub for an umami-packed variation.
Pineapple Relish: Substitute corn with grilled pineapple for a tropical vibe.
Vegan Option: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
Spicy Mango Relish: Add diced mango and habanero for a fruity heat.
Mediterranean Style: Use oregano and lemon in the rub, paired with a tomato-cucumber relish.
Steak Fajitas: Serve with sautéed onions and bell peppers.
Add Avocado: Mix diced avocado into the relish for creaminess.
Steak Bowl: Build a bowl with steak, relish, guacamole, and rice.

Special Equipment

Grill or Grill Pan: For achieving perfect char on the steak.
Cast-Iron Skillet: Ideal for toasting corn.
Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing steak thinly against the grain.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the relish and spice rub.
Tongs: For easy handling of the steak on the grill.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, skirt steak or hanger steak are great alternatives.
How long should I marinate the steak?
While not necessary, you can let the steak sit with the rub for up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Can I make the relish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the relish up to a day in advance and store in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store steak and relish separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat the steak?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain its tenderness.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works just as well.
Can I freeze the steak?
Yes, freeze raw or cooked steak for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
Substitute with fresh parsley or basil if you prefer.
Can I use canned corn?
Fresh or frozen corn is recommended, but canned corn can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak with Corn-Chile Relish is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the savory richness of grilled flank steak with a zesty, slightly smoky corn and chile relish. The flank steak is coated with a flavorful spice rub—often featuring ingredients like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder—which infuses it with a deep, aromatic flavor. When grilled to your preferred doneness, the steak remains juicy and tender.

The corn-chile relish is a vibrant, fresh topping made with sweet corn, roasted or grilled chiles, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The combination of the smokiness from the chiles, sweetness from the corn, and tang from the lime perfectly complements the savory steak.

This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.

I can’t wait to see how your Spice-Rubbed Flank Steak with Corn-Chile Relish turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!