Flank Steak with Lemon Fennel

Naturally thin cuts such as flank steak and skirt steak cook quickly when seared over medium to high heat for a nice brown crust. You can use your favorite cut, such as strip, but to keep the prep and cook time under 15 minutes, the steak should be no more than ¾ inch thick.

Tip: Very thinly sliced fresh fennel mellows to an almost sweet, oniony flavor when briefly sautéed. Lemon zest adds a touch of citrus without being too sour. If you can't find fennel, or don't like it, substitute onion, and add cracked black pepper in place of the fennel seeds.

• Recipe: Flank Steak with Lemon Fennel