When it comes to cooking, flank steak offers an extraordinary range of flavors and preparations that can enhance any meal. You might find yourself gravitating towards classic grilled flank steak, but have you considered the quick charm of teriyaki flank steak stir-fry or the zest of flank steak tacos? Each recipe has its own unique appeal, and understanding these variations could transform your approach to this cut. As you investigate the options, you'll soon discover which recipes stand out and why they might become your new go-to favorites.
Classic Grilled Flank Steak
Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef that's perfect for grilling, offering a deliciously charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior when cooked properly. This classic grilled flank steak recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers.
With the right marinade and cooking technique, you'll be able to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes to create a marinade.
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your flank steak is tender and flavorful, it's essential to marinate it for a sufficient amount of time, as the marinade helps to break down the meat fibers.
Always slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness, and for an added burst of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
If you're looking for a delicious accompaniment, grilled vegetables or a fresh salad complement this dish beautifully. Enjoy your perfectly grilled flank steak!
Teriyaki Flank Steak Stir-Fry
Teriyaki Flank Steak Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that combines tender slices of flank steak with colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned, flipping halfway through.
Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the flank steak to the skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain, which helps to keep it tender.
You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand—carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini would work well too.
For a little extra heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
If time allows, marinating the flank steak in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking can improve the flavor even further.
Flank Steak Tacos
Flank steak tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe utilizes marinated flank steak, grilled to perfection, and then sliced thinly to fill warm tortillas. Topped with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you're hosting a taco night or just craving something flavorful, these flank steak tacos are quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Add the flank steak to the bowl, ensuring it's well-coated, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, then assemble the tacos by placing the sliced flank steak inside and topping with fresh cilantro and avocado.
Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, try to marinate the flank steak for a longer period, up to 2 hours if possible.
This allows the spices to penetrate the meat better, enhancing its taste.
When grilling, let the steak rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, which keeps the meat tender and juicy.
You can also customize your tacos with other toppings such as diced onions, salsa, or crumbled cheese for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your delicious flank steak tacos!
Marinated Flank Steak Salad
Marinated flank steak salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of marinated steak with fresh greens and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad highlights the deliciousness of flank steak marinated in zesty ingredients that amplify its natural flavors.
The salad can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile meal option that's both satisfying and invigorating.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Balsamic vinaigrette (for dressing)
Cooking Instructions:
To begin, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, and oregano in a bowl.
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure the steak is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Top with sliced steak and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, marinate the flank steak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
Make sure to slice the steak against the grain to guarantee tenderness. You can also experiment with different marinades or add grilled vegetables to the salad for extra flavor.
If you're looking to save time, consider cooking the steak in advance and assembling the salad quickly when you're ready to eat.
Enjoy your marinated flank steak salad as a hearty yet healthy meal option!
Flank Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
Flank steak with chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the rich, hearty taste of perfectly grilled flank steak with the fresh, herbaceous kick of chimichurri. This recipe is ideal for summer barbecues or a satisfying weeknight dinner, and the chimichurri can also be made ahead of time to amplify the flavors.
By marinating the steak and allowing it to reach the perfect level of doneness, you'll impress your family and guests with this delightful combination.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the flank steak in a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
While the steak is marinating, prepare the chimichurri by combining the parsley, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Once the steak has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. Serve the steak drizzled with chimichurri sauce.
Extra Tips:
When cooking flank steak, it's essential to slice against the grain to guarantee tenderness. If you're unsure about the grain direction, look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the chimichurri. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Finally, if you're preparing the chimichurri ahead of time, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.