FLANK STEAK WITH WATERMELON SALAD

Flank Steak with Watermelon Salad image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Time 9h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 2 limes
1 jalapeno, sliced
One 2-pound flank steak
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup medium-dice seedless watermelon
4 fresh mint leaves, thin sliced or chiffonade
Grapeseed oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 small onion, sliced in thin rings and soaked in ice water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

For the flank steak and marinade: Whisk together the grapeseed oil, white vinegar, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, lime juice and jalapenos in a medium bowl. Put the flank steak in large casserole pan, pour over the marinade and marinate, refrigerated, overnight.
For the watermelon salad: Mix together the vinegar, honey and sugar in a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes, watermelon and mint and toss with the vinaigrette.
For the onion rings: Heat the oil in a heavy pan until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 375 degrees F. Put the flour in a medium bowl. Drain the onion rings completely, and then toss in the flour to coat. Tap off any excess flour, and then fry the onions until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel, and then season lightly with salt and pepper.
To cook the flank steak, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, draining off any excess. (Removal of excess marinade will prevent flaming or charring of the steak during cooking.) Grill over high heat until medium rare, 8 to 9 minutes per side. Allow the steak to rest before slicing against the grain into thin slices.
Shingle some sliced steak on each plate. Spoon the watermelon salad on top. Garnish with onion rings and cilantro sprigs.