10 Tips for Cooking Flank Steak to Tender Perfection

Flank steak is a popular cut of beef among meat lovers, but it can be tough and chewy if not prepared correctly. The good news is that making flank steak tender is not a difficult task. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can transform a tough piece of meat into a delicious and juicy meal that everyone will love.

One of the keys to making flank steak tender is to marinate it before cooking. A good marinade not only adds flavor, but it also helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own with ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and spices. Simply place the steak in a shallow dish, cover with the marinade, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) before cooking. This will give the marinade time to penetrate the meat and tenderize it for a more enjoyable eating experience.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Flank Steak

One of the most important aspects of making flank steak tender is choosing the right cut. Look for a flank steak that is bright red and has minimal marbling. The best cuts will have a uniform thickness and should be about 1 inch thick.

2. Tenderize the Meat

One of the simplest things you can do to make flank steak tender is to tenderize the meat. You can do this by using a meat mallet or a meat tenderizer. Pound the steak until it is about half an inch thick. This will break down the fibers in the meat and make it easier to chew.

3. Use a Marinade

Marinating the steak is another great way to make it tender. You can use a variety of marinade recipes that include acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. These marinades will break down the proteins in the meat and make it more tender.

4. Cook the Steak Slowly

When cooking flank steak, it’s important to go low and slow. This will help to break down the fibers in the meat and make it more tender. Try cooking the steak in a slow cooker or in the oven at a low temperature for several hours.

5. Rest the Meat

Once your flank steak is done cooking, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

6. Slice the Meat Against the Grain

When you’re ready to slice your flank steak, it’s important to do so against the grain. This means slicing perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This will make the meat more tender and easier to chew.

7. Use a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer can help you cook your flank steak to the perfect temperature. The ideal temperature for flank steak is between 130 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking the meat to this temperature will ensure that it’s cooked through but still tender.

8. Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature

Before cooking your flank steak, be sure to let it come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.

9. Cut Across the Grain

When you’re slicing your flank steak, be sure to cut across the grain. This will help to break down the fibers in the meat and make it more tender.

10. Choose the Right Cooking Method

Finally, choosing the right cooking method can make all the difference in making flank steak tender. Grilling, broiling, and pan-searing are all great methods, but be sure to keep an eye on the temperature and cook the meat slowly for best results.

10 Tips for Making Flank Steak Tender

Flank steak is a popular cut of beef that is known for its rich flavor and texture. However, this cut of meat can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. If you’re wondering how to make flank steak tender, read on for 10 helpful tips.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

When it comes to making flank steak tender, it all starts with choosing the right cut of meat. Look for a flank steak that is well-marbled and has a uniform color. Avoid steaks with a lot of white fat or tough, stringy muscle fibers.

2. Marinate the Steak

Marinating flank steak is a great way to add flavor and help tenderize the meat. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice is a classic choice. Be sure to let the meat marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

3. Use a Meat Tenderizer

A meat tenderizer is a handy tool that can help break down the tough muscle fibers in flank steak. Simply pound the steak with the tenderizer tool until it is evenly flattened. This will help the meat cook more evenly and result in a more tender steak.

4. Cook the Meat Low and Slow

Slow cooking flank steak is a great way to infuse flavor and moisture into the meat. Try cooking the steak in a slow cooker or braising it in a flavorful broth for several hours. The result will be a melt-in-your-mouth tender steak.

5. Rest the Meat

Resting the meat after cooking is an important step in ensuring a tender flank steak. Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, juicy steak.

6. Cut Against the Grain

Cutting flank steak against the grain is another way to ensure a tender steak. Look for the white lines that run through the meat and cut perpendicular to them. This will help break up the tough muscle fibers and result in a more tender steak.

7. Use the Right Knife

Using the right knife is important when cutting flank steak. Look for a sharp, serrated knife that can easily cut through the meat. Avoid using a dull knife, as this can damage the meat and result in a tougher steak.

8. Season the Meat Properly

Proper seasoning is key to a tender flank steak. Be sure to season the meat with salt and pepper before cooking, and consider adding herbs or spices for extra flavor. Avoid over-seasoning the meat, as this can overpower the natural flavor of the steak.

9. Don’t Undercook or Overcook

Undercooking or overcooking flank steak can result in a tough, chewy steak. Be sure to cook the meat to your desired doneness, whether that’s rare, medium-rare, or medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the correct internal temperature.

10. Slice the Meat Thinly

Finally, slicing the meat thinly can help ensure a tender flank steak. Use a sharp knife to slice the meat against the grain into thin strips. This will break up the tough muscle fibers and result in a more tender, flavorful steak.

Marinade your Flank Steak

Now that you’ve tenderized your flank steak, let’s dive into the next step to ensure that it’s juicy and delicious – marinating the meat. A good marinade is not just about flavor, it can also help break down the tough fibers and further soften the meat. Here are some tips on how to marinade your steak:

Choose the right marinade

There are many types of marinade you can use, from Asian-inspired flavors to classic steak seasoning. The key is to choose the right one that complements your flank steak. For a basic marinade, you can mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and your choice of spices or herbs.

Marinate in the fridge

Marinate your steak for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight in your fridge. Make sure to cover it and let it rest in the marinade, so it can soak up the flavors.

Don’t reuse marinade

Don’t reuse the marinade once you’ve used it to marinate your steak. Bacteria from the raw meat can transfer to the marinade, so it’s not safe to use it again for other purposes.

Let it rest before cooking

After you take your Flank steak from the marinade, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature, insuring the meat is cooked evenly.

Be careful not to overcook it

Flank steak is best cooked Medium measuring around 145-160°F. Use an internal meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the meat. Cook it on high heat, flipping it once, and make sure it browns and gets luscious grill marks.

Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This cut of meat is perfect for fajitas, tacos, and sandwiches, and this tip helps you create a meal that’s both delicious and juicy.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Now that you know the secrets to making your flank steak tender and delicious, it’s time to put those skills to the test. Remember to be patient and let your meat rest, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your marinades and seasonings. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you’ll come back to visit us again soon for more tasty tips and tricks. Happy cooking!