Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and earthy seared mountain lion steak seasoned with a smoky chipotle spice blend, served with a tangy lime-cilantro sauce that enhances its rich flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes turns mountain lion steak, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the smoky rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 12 oz mountain lion steak evenly on both sides with the 2 tbsp olive oil, then generously coat it with the prepared smoky chipotle spice blend.
  3. Step 3: Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Place the steak in the pan and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving it, until a deep crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Flip the steak and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: While the steak rests, mix 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves to make the tangy sauce.
  6. Step 6: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips and serve drizzled with the lime-cilantro yogurt sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub?

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 Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Seared Mountain Lion Steak with Smoky Chipotle Rub?

American beef 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.

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