Traditional Cuban Steak (Bistec de Palomilla)

**Please note:  This is not a tender steak dish.  It is focused much more on flavor than tenderness.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless beef steaks (such as sirloin or flank), about 1/2 inch thick

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the garnish:

• Thinly sliced onions

• Fresh parsley leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

2. Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each steak is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.

3. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and place them in the hot skillet. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use.

5. Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach the desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), while medium would be around 145°F (63°C). Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.

6. Remove the cooked steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Cover them with foil to keep warm.

7. In the same skillet, pour the reserved marinade and cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, for about 3-4 minutes.

8. Pour the thickened marinade over the steaks, allowing the flavors to soak in.

9. Garnish the steaks with thinly sliced onions and fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

10. Serve the traditional Cuban steak (bistec de palomilla) hot alongside white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete and authentic Cuban meal. Enjoy the succulent and flavorful steak!

Note: You can also grill the marinated steaks on a barbecue or grill pan instead of using a skillet, if desired. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Optional: For an extra burst of flavor, you can squeeze some fresh lime juice over the cooked steak just before serving.