Best Flank Steak

Why Make This Recipe

Flank steak is a popular cut of beef that is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. It is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be served in various ways, making it a favorite among families and chefs alike. This particular recipe for flank steak is special due to its marinade, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. When grilled or seared to perfection, the steak becomes juicy and can delight anyone who takes a bite.

Choosing to make this recipe allows you to explore different flavors while enjoying a delicious meal that doesn’t take too long to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want a tasty dinner on a weeknight, this flank steak hits the spot. Plus, cooking it in a cast iron skillet provides a beautiful crust while retaining juiciness inside. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to impress their family or guests with minimal effort and maximum taste.

How to Make Best Flank Steak

Making the best flank steak involves a few simple yet crucial steps. It starts with preparing a flavorful marinade that seeps into the meat, enhancing its taste. The cooking method plays a vital role too, as flank steak can become tough if overcooked. Following this recipe ensures you’ll end up with a deliciously tender steak every time.

Ingredients

To make this delightful flank steak, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 1.5 pounds flank steak
2. 1/4 cup soy sauce
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
6. 1 teaspoon black pepper
7. 1 teaspoon paprika
8. 1 teaspoon onion powder
9. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. First, gather all your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to create a delicious marinade for the steak.

2. Next, place your flank steak inside a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air. Refrigerate the steak and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes — for best results, let it sit for up to 8 hours.

3. When you’re ready to cook, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet will give your steak a lovely sear and impart a great flavor.

4. Once the skillet is hot, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. You want the steak to sizzle when it hits the hot skillet.

5. Place the flank steak in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your steak more or less done. Remember that flank steak can easily become tough if overcooked.

6. After cooking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Once rested, slice the steak against the grain to serve.

How to Serve Best Flank Steak

Serving flank steak is as enjoyable as cooking it! Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• On Its Own: Simply serve the sliced flank steak on a plate with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

• Tacos: Use the sliced steak as a filling for tacos. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a delightful taco night.

• Sandwiches: Make delicious steak sandwiches by placing the sliced steak in a crusty roll, adding sautéed peppers and onions, and your favorite sauce.

• Salads: Add slices of flank steak to a green salad, along with cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a vinaigrette dressing for a hearty meal.

No matter how you serve it, this flank steak is sure to impress!

How to Store Best Flank Steak

If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re not likely!), you can enjoy this delicious flank steak later. Here’s how to properly store it:

• Refrigeration: Allow the steak to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked flank steak. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The steak will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Best Flank Steak

• Choose the Right Cut: Look for flank steak that has a nice marbling of fat, as this will enhance flavor and tenderness during cooking.

• Marinate for Longer: While 30 minutes is sufficient, giving the meat more time to absorb the flavors (up to 8 hours) will result in a more flavorful steak.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For the perfect doneness, a meat thermometer is very helpful. Aim for 125°F (51.6°C) for medium-rare.

• Let It Rest: Remember to let the steak rest after cooking. This crucial step keeps it juicy and tender.

Variations

You can easily adapt this flank steak recipe according to your flavor preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Spicy Marinade: Add more red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for added freshness.

• Citrus Twist: Substitute some soy sauce with fresh lime or orange juice for a zesty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes! While flank steak is great for this recipe, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may vary in tenderness.

2. How do I know when the flank steak is done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F (51.6°C). If you prefer it cooked through, go for around 145°F (62.8°C).

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the flank steak the night before and cook it when you’re ready. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover flank steak?
To reheat, place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a short time, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the steak tough.

5. What sides pair well with flank steak?
Delicious sides for flank steak include roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, grilled corn, and fresh salads. You can choose any side dishes that balance out the robust flavors of the steak.

With this simple and delicious flank steak recipe, you’ll be equipped to create a meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with your own variations and enjoy the rich flavors every time you cook!

Best Flank Steak

Print Recipe

Juicy and tender flank steak marinated to perfection for a delicious meal.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Paleo

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds flank steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to create a marinade.
2. Place flank steak inside a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove steak from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then place it in the hot skillet.
5. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
6. Remove steak from skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the steak overnight. Adjust cooking times for different doneness levels.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg