Fire Up the Grill: Delicious Grilled Flank Steak Recipes
Flank steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat that delivers big flavor when grilled. It’s known for its rich, beefy taste and satisfyingly chewy texture. With the right technique and marinade, this versatile cut can transform into a star dish for any occasion.
Why We Love Grilled Flank Steak
- Flavorful and Tender: When cooked properly, flank steak becomes incredibly tender and boasts a deep, beefy flavor.
- Versatility: It can be grilled whole or sliced, making it perfect for everything from simple weeknight meals to impressive party platters.
- Budget-Friendly: Compared to other steak cuts, flank steak is relatively inexpensive, making it a great value for your money.
Grilling Tips for Flank Steak Success
- Marinate: Flank steak benefits from a good marinade to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Thin Slices: For a more tender texture, slice the steak against the grain into thin pieces before grilling.
- High Heat: Grill over high heat for a quick sear that creates a flavorful crust while keeping the interior juicy.
- Rest: After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
3 Must-Try Grilled Flank Steak Recipes
1. Classic Chimichurri Steak
This vibrant recipe combines the rich flavor of flank steak with a tangy and aromatic chimichurri sauce.
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Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (1.5-2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions:
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Place the steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
- Heat the grill to high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Serve with extra chimichurri sauce.
2. Asian-Inspired Grilled Flank Steak with Peanut Sauce
This recipe offers a burst of Asian flavors with a sweet and savory peanut sauce.
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Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (1.5-2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
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Instructions:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Place the steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Serve the sliced steak with the peanut sauce drizzled over it.
3. Smoked Paprika Flank Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
This recipe combines the smoky depth of paprika with the richness of garlic herb butter.
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Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (1.5-2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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Instructions:
- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the steak.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Meanwhile, combine the butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Serve the sliced steak with the garlic herb butter on top.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Flank Steak:
- Don’t Overcook: Flank steak is best cooked medium-rare for a tender and juicy result.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For accurate cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest: Letting the steak rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of meat.
With these tips and recipes, you’ll be grilling delicious flank steak like a pro in no time! Enjoy!