Flank steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Known for its rich taste and relatively lean composition, flank steak is best when marinated and cooked quickly at high heat. This article will delve into what to make with flank steak, featuring delicious recipes, cooking techniques, and serving tips to enhance your meals.
Whether you are grilling, stir-frying, or making tacos, flank steak can be the star of your dish. With its strong beefy flavor, flank steak shines in both simple weeknight dinners and more elaborate gatherings. Let’s explore how to maximize this cut in your cooking.
What to Make with Flank Steak?
Flank steak can be prepared in many ways, such as grilled, stir-fried, or braised. It is perfect for dishes like fajitas, steak salads, or meat bowls, providing a satisfying meal packed with flavor. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
This grilled flank steak recipe highlights the meat’s natural flavors while the chimichurri sauce adds a vibrant and fresh twist. The acidity from the sauce balances the richness of the beef.
Yield and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 1-2 hours
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours (includes marinating)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Essential Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Add the flank steak to the bowl, ensuring it is well-coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing parsley, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over high heat.
- Remove the flank steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Grill the steak for 5-6 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain, serve with chimichurri sauce on top.
Serving Tips
Pair the grilled flank steak with a simple arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete meal. The chimichurri can also be served as a dipping sauce for any additional sides.
Flank Steak Tacos
For a casual and fun meal, flank steak tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Season the steak with spices, grill, and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Yield and Timing
- Servings: 4 (about 8 tacos)
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total time: About 1.5 hours (includes marinating)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Essential Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the flank steak evenly with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until a meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the tacos with sliced steak, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
Serving Tips
Serve these tacos with a side of salsa, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños to elevate the flavor. Remember to offer lime wedges for an extra zing.
Stir-Fried Flank Steak with Vegetables
This stir-fry is a quick way to bring together flank steak and an array of colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Yield and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Essential Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated flank steak in a single layer and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan, then add the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
- Return the cooked steak to the pan and add the green onions and sesame oil. Stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Serving Tips
This stir-fried flank steak is great with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top. Serve with a side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Flank Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This flank steak salad is a wholesome meal, combining marinated steak with fresh greens, veggies, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a lighter dinner.
Yield and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: About 22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
Essential Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the flank steak with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the flank steak for about 5-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While the steak is resting, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain and arrange it on the salad. Top with feta cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Serving Tips
This salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch, or include avocado slices for creaminess.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Flank Steak
Cooking flank steak can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking: Flank steak is best at medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.
- Not letting it rest: Allowing flank steak to rest before slicing helps retain the juices and enhances tenderness.
- Failing to slice against the grain: Cutting against the grain minimizes chewiness and maximizes tenderness.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Flank Steak
Storing and reheating flank steak properly can ensure that you enjoy your meal later without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Cooked flank steak can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, consider freezing cooked flank steak. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, do so gradually in the oven or microwave to avoid toughening the meat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Flavor Pairings with Flank Steak
Flank steak has a hearty flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and thyme enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Citrus: Lime juice and lemon can brighten the dish and cut through the richness.
- Spices: Cumin, paprika, and chili powder add warmth and depth to the marinade.
Final Thoughts
Flank steak is a versatile cut of meat that lends itself to many delicious recipes and preparations. From grilled flank steak with chimichurri to savory tacos, this cut’s rich flavor shines in numerous dishes. Follow the serving tips, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy your culinary creations!
For more delicious recipes, check out our steak alfredo recipe or explore our guide on slow cooker short ribs.