How to Make Flavorful Flank Steak: Tips and Tricks

Flank steak is a delicious and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for quick and easy dinners. However, cooking flank steak can be challenging if you don’t know the right technique. Fortunately, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make a tender and flavorful flank steak that your family and friends will love.

The key to making a great flank steak is to marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use any type of marinade you like, but a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice works well. Once your flank steak has marinated, all you need to do is grill or broil it for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. Serve your flank steak with your favorite vegetables, and enjoy a delicious and easy dinner!

Flank steak is a delicious cut of beef that many people love but struggle to cook properly. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you make the perfect flank steak every time.

Choosing the Right Flank Steak

The first step in making a great flank steak is choosing the right cut of meat. Look for a steak that is uniformly thick with a bright red color and minimal fat. The meat should also be firm to the touch and have a slight marbling of fat throughout.

Marinating Your Flank Steak

Marinating your flank steak is a crucial step in ensuring that it is flavorful and tender. The longer you marinade the meat, the more flavorful it will be. Try marinating your steak for at least four hours in a mixture of oil, acidic ingredients, and seasonings.

Preparing Your Flank Steak

Before cooking your flank steak, make sure it is at room temperature. This will help the meat cook more evenly. Also, be sure to pat the steak dry with a paper towel before seasoning it with salt and pepper.

Grilling Your Flank Steak

Grilling is one of the best ways to cook flank steak. Preheat your grill to high heat and cook the steak for four to five minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

Pan-Searing Your Flank Steak

If you don’t have a grill, pan-searing your flank steak is another great option. Preheat a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and cook your steak for four to five minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

Resting Your Flank Steak

After cooking your flank steak, it’s important to let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that your steak is juicy and tender.

Slicing Your Flank Steak

When slicing your flank steak, be sure to cut against the grain. This will help to break up the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.

Serving Your Flank Steak

Flank steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be served in a variety of ways. Try slicing it up and serving it on a sandwich, or alongside some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Flavoring Your Flank Steak

In addition to marinating your flank steak, you can also add flavor by seasoning it with spices or herbs. Try rubbing your steak with garlic and rosemary before cooking it, or adding some chili powder and cumin for a Mexican-inspired flavor.

Storing Your Flank Steak

If you have leftovers, be sure to store your flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to four days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven.

Choosing the Right Cut of Flank Steak

Flank steak, a long, flat cut of beef that runs from the abdominal muscles of the cow, is a great choice for flavorful, Mexican-inspired dishes such as fajitas, steak tacos, and carne asada. It’s important to choose the right cut of flank steak to ensure that your dish comes out tender and juicy. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your steak:

Look for a Thick Cut

A thick cut of flank steak, around 1-1.5 inches thick, is ideal for grilling or searing. This will ensure that the steak doesn’t become overcooked and tough. Thinner cuts can be easier to overcook, resulting in a stringy and dry texture.

Inspect the Marbling

Marbling is the amount of fat that runs through the meat, and it’s a good indicator of how flavorful and tender your flank steak will be. Look for steak cuts that have thin veins of fat running through them rather than a large fat cap on the exterior. This will result in a well-marbled steak, which is juicier and more tender.

Consider Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is generally considered to be a healthier and more ethical choice, as it’s raised on open pastures, without added hormones or antibiotics. It can also have a slightly different texture and flavor than conventional beef, so keep this in mind when selecting your flank steak.

Check the Color

Flank steak should have a bright red color with some marbling visible. Avoid steaks that have a grayish or brownish hue, which could indicate that the meat is older and has been exposed to air for too long.

Choose a Fresh Cut

Fresh flank steak should be pliable and moist to the touch. Avoid any steak that feels slimy or sticky, which could indicate that it’s spoiled or past its prime. Look for a cut that’s been kept refrigerated and is not close to its expiration date.

Consider the Grade

Beef is graded on factors such as marbling, age, and tenderness. The higher the grade, the more tender and flavorful the steak will be. Look for cuts that are labeled “Choice” or “Prime” for the highest quality.

Avoid Meat with Large Tendons

Flank steak can have long lines of tough connective tissue running through it, which can be difficult to chew and detract from the overall flavor and texture of the meat. Look for steaks with smaller tendons or remove them before cooking.

Keep in Mind Your Cooking Method

Different cooking methods require different cuts of beef. If you’re planning to grill your flank steak, it’s best to choose a thicker cut rather than a thinner one, which can result in overcooking. On the other hand, if you’re stir-frying your steak, a thinner cut may work better.

Consider the Amount of Servings

When selecting your flank steak, keep in mind how many people you’re cooking for. Figure around 6-8 ounces per person, which means that a 1.5-pound steak can serve around 4-6 people. If you’re feeding a large party, consider buying multiple cuts or a larger piece of meat.

Ask Your Butcher for Advice

Your local butcher is a great resource for selecting the right cut of meat for your dish. Ask for their recommendations on which cuts of flank steak to choose, how much to buy, and how to best prepare them for your desired dish.

Marinating Flank Steak

Marinating is an essential step in cooking flank steak. It helps infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it. Here are some tips to make the perfect marinade for your flank steak.

Ingredients for Marinade

The most critical ingredient in the marinade is acid. Acid helps break down the protein fibers that make the meat tough. A great acid source can be lime juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or wine vinegar. The second key ingredient is oil – choose the oil that has high smoke point to avoid any burning while cooking. Next, add some herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, ginger, paprika, and black pepper.

Marinating Time

It’s highly suggested to marinate flank steak for at least 30 minutes to 6 hours. The longer you marinate, the better the result however you shouldn’t marinate your flank steak more than 24 hours, or it can become mushy because the acid in the marinade breaks down the proteins too much.

The Best Way to Marinate

Once you have your marinade ready, place it inside a plastic sealable bag and add your steak, gently massaging the marinade into the meat. Then, remove the excess air, seal the bag, and place it in the fridge. Make sure to flip the bag over occasionally to ensure the meat absorbs the marinade evenly.

How to Remove Excess Marinade

Before grilling or cooking your flank steak, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry using a paper towel. Leaving the steak moist could increase the chance of unwanted steaming instead of creating a crust.

How to Grill Marinated Flank Steak

Grilling is one of the best methods to prepare marinated flank steak as it imparts a smoky flavor to the steak. Preheat the grill to high heat and brush it with oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Place the steak on the grill and cook it for about five to six minutes per side for rare to medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak has reached 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it rest for at least five minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

By following these simple steps, you can create a perfectly marinated flank steak. It’s a delicious and easy meal that you can serve for any occasion. The possibilities for marinades are endless, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients and flavors!

That’s how you cook Flank Steak like a pro!

I hope you found this guide to making Flank Steak helpful! Remember to have fun and be creative with your seasoning, there are endless possibilities to make this meal unique to you and your taste buds. Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait for you to join me again for more delicious recipes!