Flank steak—oh, the beautiful, misunderstood cut of beef that’s often overshadowed by its flashier counterparts. It’s like that indie band you love that no one else has heard of. Tender when you treat it right, it’s versatile enough to star in a variety of dishes, from sizzling fajitas to savory stir-fries.
Remember that time I grilled it with just a hint of lime and garlic? Pure magic. So, grab your tongs and let’s give flank steak the spotlight it deserves with these easy, delightful recipes.
Steps
- Select a flank steak cut, ensuring it’s lean and free of excess fat, then place it in a shallow dish for marinating.
- Prepare a marinade using tangy vinegar, fresh herbs, and your choice of seasonings, mixing them thoroughly.
- Pour the marinade over the flank steak, ensuring the meat is well-coated, then let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, ensuring it’s hot enough for searing.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and place it on the grill.
- Cook the flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness before serving.
- Optionally, serve the steak with salads, veggies, or as a sandwich filling for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Flank steak, 1 pound
- Balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup
- Fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Garlic, 4 cloves, minced
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Honey, 1 tablespoon
- Salt, 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
FAQ
- What is flank steak?
- Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the cow’s abdominal muscle. Despite not being a traditional steak, it’s popular for its affordability, rich flavor, and versatility.
- Is flank steak a lean cut of meat?
- Yes, flank steak is a lean cut of beef with very little fat. It doesn’t require trimming and is excellent at absorbing marinades.
- What are some ways to serve flank steak?
- Flank steak can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in salads, sandwiches, or tacos. It can also be the main protein in a meal served with vegetables or potatoes.
- Why is flank steak good for meal prep?
- Flank steak is ideal for meal prep because it’s lean, absorbs flavors from marinades well, and can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week.
- Can flank steak be part of a macro-friendly diet?
- Absolutely! Flank steak is a great option for those following a macro-friendly diet due to its high protein content and low fat. It’s included in various macro-friendly meal plans and can be easily tracked using fitness apps.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of flank steak, marinating it is key. Its lean nature allows it to absorb marinades well, so experiment with different herbs and seasonings to find your favorite combination.
- Consider grilling flank steak for an easy and delicious option. It works well as a main dish or as an addition to salads and sandwiches.
- If you’re aiming for a quick meal, try recipes that use common pantry ingredients, like sweet garlic spices, which come together rapidly without needing a special trip to the store.
- Remember that flank steak is versatile and can be paired with various side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or fresh salads, making it an excellent choice for diverse meal preparations.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan – Essential for cooking the grilled flank steak recipes.
- Meat Tenderizer – Useful for preparing the flank steak to ensure it absorbs marinades well and cooks evenly.
- Marinade Injector – If you want to enhance the marinating process by injecting flavors directly into the steak.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – To ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- High-Quality Chef’s Knife – For slicing the flank steak properly after cooking.
