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Skirt Steak with Haricots Verts, Corn, and Pesto

This vibrant skirt steak with haricots verts and corn is a balanced, diabetes-friendly meal that celebrates fresh, seasonal produce. The naturally lean cut of beef provides a rich, savoury flavour that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of charred corn and the punchy aroma of basil pesto. By quickly searing the steak and blanching the green beans, you maintain a delightful contrast of textures that makes this dish feel truly indulgent while remaining light.

Ideal for a nutritious mid-week dinner, this high-protein recipe is designed to be both satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of pesto provides healthy fats and an instant hit of Mediterranean flavour without the need for complex sauces. Serve this colourful dish on its own for a low-carbohydrate option, or alongside a small portion of new potatoes for a more substantial evening meal.

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Ingredients for Skirt Steak with Haricots Verts, Corn, and Pesto

  • 675g skirt steak

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 ear corn, kernels cut off

  • 350g haricots verts, trimmed

  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

How to make Skirt Steak with Haricots Verts, Corn, and Pesto

Pat steak dry and cut into 4 pieces, then sprinkle all over with salt and pepper.

Heat 1/2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté corn, stirring, until just starting to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet and sauté steaks, in batches if necessary, turning over once, 3 to 5 minutes per batch for thin pieces and 5 to 7 minutes per batch for thicker pieces (for medium-rare). Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

While steaks rest, cook haricots verts in a large pot of well-salted boiling water, uncovered, until just tender, about 4 minutes, and drain well in a colander. Add beans to corn then add pesto, stirring to coat. Serve corn and beans topped with sliced steak.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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