Matambre a la Pizza
A beloved Argentine dish, Matambre a la Pizza transforms a tender flank steak (matambre) into a pizza-like experience. This recipe features a perfectly cooked steak topped with classic pizza ingredients and baked until golden and bubbly.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Flank steak (matambre)(About 2.2 lbs. Ensure it's a good quality cut.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(For searing and brushing.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 200 ml Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes(Good quality, seasoned pizza sauce works well.)
- 200 g Shredded mozzarella cheese(About 2 cups, low-moisture is best.)
- 2 tsp Dried oregano(For authentic flavor.)
- 50 g Pitted olives(Green or black, sliced or whole, as preferred.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet or a large oven-safe skillet.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the matambre: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Sear the matambre: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared steak to the prepared baking sheet.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Bake the matambre: Transfer the skillet or baking sheet with the steak to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 55-57°C (130-135°F) for medium-rare, or 60-63°C (140-145°F) for medium. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Add toppings: Carefully remove the steak from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top of the steak, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the olives over the cheese.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Finish baking: Return the matambre to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The steak should still be at your desired doneness.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 7
Garnish and serve: Remove the matambre from the oven. Sprinkle generously with dried oregano. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick strips against the grain. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even more authentic flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella.
- ✓Matambre a la Pizza is a popular dish in Buenos Aires steakhouses and pizzerias.
- ✓Aim for medium doneness for the steak to ensure tenderness and juiciness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced ham (jamón cocido) before the cheese.
- Top with roasted red bell pepper strips for added sweetness and color.
- Include thinly sliced onions or mushrooms with the toppings.
🥗 Nutrition
Per serving