Meat Pizzaiola Style (Carne alla Pizzaiola)
Meat Pizzaiola style
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula for flipping the meat
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 4 beef steaks I suggest thin cuts, like sirloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup green olives or black olives, your choice
- 1 tsp capers
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1/3 cup white wine optional, can be replaced with more stock
Instructions
- Method:
- Prepare the meat: Season the beef steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the steaks to your liking, about 1-2 minutes per side for thin cuts. Remove the steaks and set them aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil, then sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until the skins start to wrinkle (about 5 minutes).
- Add flavorings: Stir in the olives, capers, tomato paste, oregano, and white wine. Let it simmer for a minute to combine the flavors, then pour in the stock. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return the steaks to the pan and let them warm through in the sauce for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with a side of pasta, potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Notes on What to Expect:
- From my own personal experience, the key to getting the perfect Pizzaiola is balancing the flavors, tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and the savory depth of capers. The steak will absorb all of these flavors as it cooks in the sauce, becoming incredibly tender.
- Variations and Tips:
- For a lighter version: You can swap the beef for chicken breasts or pork chops.
- For a richer flavor: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add depth and heat to the sauce.
- Dietary substitutions: If you're avoiding wine, replace it with extra stock. You can also use gluten-free stock for a gluten-free option.
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>