Flank Steak

When I think of Grilled Flank Steak I immediately think of the word under appreciated. Its a great cut of meat that is very versatile and has big beef flavor. It’s sold at a reasonable price point and can be turned into a lot of different recipes. For some reason, however people don’t buy it as often as they should.

Does Flank Steak need to be marinated?

Most people like to Marinate Flank Steak. Covering the beef with dry seasoning is also a good technique, but be prepared for a quick high temp grilling and the beef will need to be served at most medium rare. Because some folks don’t prefer rare meat they opt to go with a marinated Flank steak.

Flank steak on grill with sear marks

Flank Steak Marinades

My go to acid for Flank Steak Marinade is lime juice. The acid in the limes help break down the connective fibers in the meat. It also really enhances the beef flavor without masking it. If you don’t like the taste of lime juice here are a few other examples of acidic flavors that will help break down Flank Steak before grilling.

• –Orange Juice or Lemon Juice – Like the juice of a Lime, these citrus flavors help break down muscle fibers and give a nice compliment to Flank Steak while not masking the beef flavor.
• –Balsamic Vinegar – A huge favorite of people that marinate Flank Steak.
• –Soy Sauce – Flank Steak is often used in Asian inspired recipes. It does very well sliced up and stir fried.
• –Red Wine – It’s not just for drinking! Red Wine is a tremendous addition to your beef marinade.

Is Flank Steak a tough cut of meat?

When handled properly Flank Steak is a very tender cut of beef.  Two things typically decide if you will have a tender piece of beef. First, did you use a marinade to help break down the muscle fibers. It’s not 100% necessary to marinade but it helps.

Flank Steak should be grilled to internal temperatures no higher then medium rare. A rare Flank Steak tends to be the perfect temp.

Is Flank Steak a lean cut of beef?

Flank Steak has very little fat. If you look at the picture below you will notice barely any fat and a lot of long lean muscle tissue. Because of the minimal fat content Flank Steak can be a very tough piece of meat when overcooked.

Raw Flank Steak

What is the best way to grill Flank Steak?

Because Flank Steak is such a lean piece of beef you want to grill it no more than medium rare. Grill a Flank Steak for too long and you are destined for a tough piece of beef. Bring your gas grill up to 550 degrees F. Really get that grill blistering hot! (I hope you keep your grill clean if not anticipate some major flare ups) Place the beef over direct heat for two minutes then rotate 90 degrees and grill for another two minutes. After that flip the flank steak and repeat the process.

Internal Temp Flank Steak

Bring the internal flank steak temp to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That should give you a nice pink medium rare piece of Flank Steak. Just let the beef sit for five minutes before you slice the steak. However, keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests beef should have an internal temp of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why cut Flank Steak across the grain?

Flank steak has long muscle fibers that run down the entire cut of meat. Cutting across the grain shortens those long muscle fibers. Take a look at the picture above and its obvious the long muscle on the flank steak cut. If you want a tender slice of beef then those muscle fibers need to be shortened. Cut with the grain and you’ll have a tough piece of beef because the long muscle is still intact.

If you decide to marinade, dry rub, grill, bake or broil a flank steak just make sure you cut across the grain for a tender piece of meat.

Sliced Flank Steak

What type of recipes use Flank Steak?

The Flank Steak is very versatile. This recipe calls for lime in the marinade. You can certainly take this recipe a step further and make fajitas or beef tacos. I find that flank steak is a great salad topping. Do you have a large party planned? Grilling strip steaks or ribeye’s can be expensive and difficult for a large crowd. Try throwing a few Flank Steaks on the grill if you are entertaining.

Sliced Flank Steak on cutting board

If you like this recipe for Grilled Flank Steak click the links below for other beef recipes…..

Grilled Flanken Cut Beef Short Ribs

Grilled Steak with blue cheese

Print Recipe

Lime Marinated Flank Steak

By sear marks – Serves: 2

Prep Time: 2 hours – Cooking Time: 6 minutes

Flank Steak Grilled at high heat is a tremendous and underutilized beef recipe. Combine high temp grilling with a lime marinade and this Flank Steak recipe is perfect for a table of one or a line of people at a buffet!

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Flank Steak
• 2 Limes
• 1/2 cup light olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried ground cumin

Instructions

1

Place all ingredients in a zip lock bag.

2

Seal bag and put in the refrigerator for at least two hour.

3

Preheat gas grill to 550 degrees F

4

Place Flank Steak over direct heat for two minutes then rotate 90 degrees

5

Grill for an additional two minutes

6

Flip Flank Steak to other side

7

Grill for an additional 4 minutes

8

Take off the grill and let rest for 5 minutes

9

Sprinke with kosher salt and slice