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Flavor first. Fuss last.

Recipes that actually tell you what to do next.

An online cookbook with a growing collection of flavorful meals, savory sides, and comfort foods worth sharing. Crafted for beginners building confidence and seasoned cooks looking for fresh inspiration.

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Featured Flavor File food

Behind Flavor File

Hi, I’m Mia Oku!

Mia Oku, creator of Mia’s Flavor File

Mia’s Flavor File began as a way for me to collect the meals my husband and I love, so I could easily return to them whenever I needed inspiration or forgot what I did the first time. Let’s be honest, sometimes a meal comes out amazing, and then you can’t remember a single thing you added!

Now, I’m excited to share those recipes and ideas with you. Whether you are brand new to cooking and need beginner-friendly guidance, or you are an experienced cook looking for fresh inspiration, welcome to my page.

Mia’s Flavor File will continue to grow as my husband and I try new meals, discover new flavors, and create memories in our home. Have an idea, a suggestion, or simply want to chat? Feel free to send me a message.

I’m so excited for the food journey we’ll be taking together. And remember, the secret ingredients are always love and Adobo 😉

The collection

The favorites we keep making

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What you need

  • STEAK AND MARINADE
  • 0.65 lb round steak
  • 1½ tbsp sofrito, thawed
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Adobo
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ packet Sazón
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • PEPPERS AND ONIONS
  • ½ large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ⅛ tsp Adobo
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking timeline

  1. 0:00
    Cut the Steak

    Cut the steak into thin strips against the grain. Trim away any large pieces of excess fat or tough connective tissue.

  2. 0:05
    Marinate the Steak

    Combine the sofrito, minced garlic, Adobo, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, Sazón, lime juice, and olive oil. Add the steak strips and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.

  3. 4:05
    Cook the Peppers and Onions

    Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and peppers. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Adobo, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened with lightly browned edges. Transfer to a plate.

  4. 4:12
    Sear the Steak

    Heat a clean skillet over medium high heat. Remove the steak strips from the marinade, allowing the excess marinade to drip off while keeping the seasoning on the steak. Arrange the steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.

  5. 4:13
    Flip the Steak

    Sear without moving for 1½ to 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until cooked to your preferred doneness.

  6. 4:16
    Combine

    Return the peppers and onions to the skillet. Toss everything together for 30 to 60 seconds, until hot and well combined.

  7. 4:17
    Rest and Serve

    Remove from the heat and let the steak rest for about 3 minutes before serving.

Trust Me on This: Cut the steak into thin strips against the grain and give it plenty of time to marinate. Do not overcrowd the skillet so the steak gets a good sear instead of steaming.

Showing 41 of 41 recipes
Showing 41 of 41 recipes

Mia’s kitchen essentials

Flavorful Pantry Staples

The seasonings, flavor boosters, and cooking oils that show up throughout Flavor File.

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