Seared steak nachos are piled high with layers of juicy beef, bold salsa and melty cheese, finished with fresh toppings for the ultimate snack platter.
2Tablespoonscilantrochopped, plus more for garnish
1poundtop round steakcut into 1-inch cubes
2Cupslettuceshredded
4Ouncespepperjack cheeseblock, or your favourite spicy cheese
1Cupsour cream
1avocadodiced
½Cuppico de gallo
Instructions
Heat up the oven and skillet. Preheat the broiler on high. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium/high heat.
Prep the Ingredients
Cut the tomatillos in half. Slice the serrano and red chile pepper into thin slices. Seed them for less heat if you like, but I suggest keeping the seeds in and adding more garlic cloves to balance the spicy flavor.
Dice ½ the white onion, and thinly slice the other half. Cut the grape tomatoes in half. Chop cilantro. Juice the orange and limes into a small bowl.
Shred the cheese into a bowl. Dice the avocado and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the Salsa
Prepare the salsa. Once the skillet is hot, add a dash of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan to prevent sticking. Next, add the tomatillos (with the cut side up) and sliced peppers to the pan. Cook for 6 minutes to allow the skin of the tomatillos and chile peppers to slightly char. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Turn the tomatillos and peppers over, then add the diced onions, tomatoes, and garlic cloves. Cook for 4 more minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove ingredients and add to a food processor or blender. Keep the skillet on the heat.
Add the orange and lime juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin seeds, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro to the food processor. Puree until smooth. Remove 2 tablespoons of salsa and set aside for the steak.
Sear the Steak
Add cubed steak to a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the salsa. Pour another swirl of olive oil in the skillet.
Add the cubed steak and sear for 2 minutes. Do not overcook the steak. It will not be fully cooked after a short sear but will finish coming to temp in the oven. This helps the steak to remain tender. Remove from heat and set aside on a plate or cutting board.
Assemble the Nachos
Add a handful of chips to a large baking sheet, just enough to cover the bottom of the sheet. Top with a thin layer of shredded cheese, ⅓ of the steak, and a couple spoonfuls of the salsa and pico de gallo. R
Repeat layering chips, cheese, steak, salsa, and pico. Don’t be afraid to pile high! The goal is for each chip to have a bit of something on it rather than fighting over the cheesy top layer!
Melt the Cheese
Place nachos into the oven under the broiler and cook for 3 minutes. The cheese will melt quickly so be sure to watch to prevent any burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Top nachos with shredded lettuce and avocado, drizzle with sour cream and remaining sauce. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Don’t overcook the steak: A quick sear keeps it tender and juicy. Watch the broiler: Cheese melts fast and can burn easily if left unattended. Layer generously: Spread toppings across all chips to avoid dry bites.