Thin beef steaks (lehtipihvi) are thinly pounded pieces of beef. They cook very quickly and stay tender and juicy. In this recipe, we serve them with a flavorful roasted red pepper sauce made from grilled vegetables, olive oil, and a touch of chili. This dish is simple, quick, and delicious, making it perfect for weeknights or any time you want a satisfying steak dinner.
How to Cook Thin Beef Steaks
Thin beef steaks cook in just about 1 minute per side, so it’s important to heat your grill, skillet, or grill pan before you start. Brush the steaks lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Press the steak gently against the grill or pan with a spatula to create beautiful grill marks.
You can cook the steaks on a hot outdoor grill to add smoky flavor, or use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan indoors for convenience. In winter, indoor cooking often works better because outdoor grills cool quickly when you lift the lid. Since thin steaks need high heat to cook evenly without drying out, resting them for a few minutes after cooking helps keep them juicy and tender.
For the best results, cook the steaks while the roasted red pepper sauce is ready. This way, everything comes together quickly, whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
A Finnish Classic with a Fresh Twist
Lehtipihvi, literally “leaf steak,” gets its name from how thin the meat is pounded. It cooks quickly and stays tender and juicy. The roasted red pepper sauce pairs perfectly, slightly sweet, a little tangy, and full of smoky flavor from the grill.
We usually serve the steaks with grilled onions or other vegetables, a simple tomato-quinoa salad, or roasted potatoes. This combination makes a light and balanced meal that works for everyday dinners as well as weekend cooking.
If you enjoy quick, flavorful beef recipes, this one is a must-try. Combining tender thin beef steaks with homemade roasted red pepper sauce brings together everything I love about cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and meals that bring everyone to the table.
💡 Tip: Looking for tasty sides to accompany these thin beef steaks? Try my Mediterranean Quinoa Salad or the Grilled Vegetable Salad. You can also explore all my Finnish recipes here for more meal ideas.
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Thin Beef Steaks with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Lehtipihvi ja Paprikakastike)
Ingredients
Steaks:
- 4 Beef inside round steaks about 1 cm (½ inch) thick
- 1 tsp sea salt or flaky salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 mild red chili
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 small onion
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Steaks:
- Pound the beef steaks to about 5 mm (¼ inch) thick. If you’re cooking in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan, you can make them even thinner for faster, more even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then brush lightly with olive oil.
Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill to high. Remove the seeds and stems from the pepper and chili. Cut the pepper and onion into quarters, and halve the tomatoes and chili. Place all the vegetables in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Grill the Vegetables:
- Grill the vegetables until they soften and get a little color. Transfer to a bowl and let them cool slightly. Peel off any blackened skin from the pepper.
Make the Sauce:
- Blend or puree the grilled vegetables until smooth. Add salt, sugar, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Grill the Steaks:
- Grill the steaks over high heat for about 1 minute per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to create grill marks if desired. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the steaks rest briefly before serving.
Serve:
- Serve the steaks warm with the roasted red pepper sauce and your choice of sides: grilled vegetables, crispy potatoes, or a fresh quinoa salad all work beautifully.
