Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa
Smoky chipotle-marinated steak grilled to perfection and served with a fresh charred corn salsa bursting with lime and cilantro. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends pounds flank steak, tablespoons lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together and add 1.5 pounds flank steak, coating fully. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. Let steak rest covered loosely with foil for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: While steak rests, char 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until slightly blackened and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl.
- Step 4: To the corn, add 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded), and 1 teaspoon honey. Stir to combine and season with additional salt if needed.
- Step 5: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain and serve topped with the charred corn salsa for a balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Chipotle-Lime Steak with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.