Perfect Flank Steak: Best Way to Cook It Every Time

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook flank steak so it’s juicy and tender every time. Whether it’s for a BBQ or a family meal, learning to cook this steak well will impress everyone. And it will boost your cooking skills too.

Want a flank steak that makes everyone talk? You’re in the right place. We’ll share tips and tricks on how to do it. From choosing the best meat to the right way to cook it, we’re here to help.

First, let’s talk about what flank steak is. Knowing about this lean, tasty beef cut is key. So, get ready to become an expert on flank steak!

Understanding Flank Steak

Before we start cooking, let’s talk about flank steak. This lean, tasty beef cut comes from the cow’s belly muscles. It’s long, flat, and has a unique grain. To make it tender and flavorful, you need special cooking techniques.

Flank steak can be cooked in many ways, depending on what you like. You can grill it, broil it, or even sear it. Knowing about flank steak’s special traits will help you cook it perfectly.

Choosing the Right Flank Steak

Choosing the right flank steak is crucial for a great meal. The steak’s quality affects taste and texture. Make sure to pick the best for delicious, tender results.

1. Color: Look for a steak that’s bright red. It shows it’s fresh and good quality.
2. Minimal Fat Marbling: Find steak with little fat marbling. Some fat adds flavor, but too much makes it greasy.
3. Texture: The steak should feel firm. Steaks that are soft may not be tender.
4. Thickness: Choose a steak that’s 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness cooks evenly and keeps it juicy.

Picking a flank steak that meets these tips ensures a tasty meal. The right meat quality is key to the best cooking results.

Preparing the Flank Steak

Getting the flank steak ready before cooking is key to a great outcome. For a juicy and tasty steak, just follow these easy steps:

1. Begin by drying the steak with a paper towel. This removes any extra moisture. It helps the seasonings stick to the meat better.
2. Then, carefully make shallow cuts on the steak’s surface with a sharp knife. Cut against the grain. This makes the steak tender and helps it soak up the flavors.

Scoring the steak does more than just tenderize it. It also makes it look good when served. The cuts help the seasoning get deeper into the meat. This makes the steak both flavorful and tender.

Preparing the flank steak correctly sets you up for a fantastic meal. So, put in the effort and focus on these important steps with this delicious meat.

Marinating Options

Marinating flank steak is a great way to boost its taste and softness. Here are your choices:

1. A classic garlic and herb marinade
2. A zesty citrus-based marinade
3. A rich soy sauce marinade

Each option brings a different flavor to the steak. To start, mix your marinade in a bag or dish. Make sure the steak is completely soaked and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you want it extra tasty, leave it overnight.

Marination also makes the steak juicier and more tender. Choose your marinade carefully and enjoy the result.

Try this garlic and herb marinade:

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all these ingredients in a bowl. Put the steak in a bag and cover it with the marinade. Seal and chill for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

After marinating your flank steak, it’s time to grill. But first, let’s admire how marination improves your steak:

Marination truly elevates your steak’s flavors. Now, let’s get grilling and make it perfect!

Grilling Flank Steak

Grilling is a great way to cook flank steak. It gives a charred outside and a juicy, tasty inside. First, heat your grill to medium-high heat. Apply oil on the grates to stop the steak from sticking. Here’s how to start the grilling:

1. Put the seasoned steak on the grill at a 45-degree angle. This makes nice grill marks and cooks it evenly.
2. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes each side for medium-rare. Check its internal temperature – 130°F (54°C) means it’s medium-rare and 140°F (60°C) is medium.
3. Don’t flip the steak too much. Letting it cook well on each side helps it brown properly and keeps the juices in.
4. Watch the steak closely to avoid overcooking. Flank steak is best when it’s medium-rare to medium, to keep it tender.
5. When the steak is cooked how you like, take it off the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes to reabsorb the juices, making it juicier.
6. Then, cut the steak into thin strips against the grain. This makes it even more tender and enjoyable to eat.

Grilled flank steak goes well with many sides and sauces. Serve it with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a tangy chimichurri sauce for a tasty meal. Get ready to wow your guests with a flawlessly grilled flank steak!

Broiling Flank Steak

If you don’t have a grill, no problem! Broiling is a great way to cook flank steak that’s tender and tasty. Let me show you how to perfectly broil flank steak:

1. Preheat your broiler and position the oven rack near the top, about 3-4 inches from the heat.
2. Put the flank steak on a broiling pan or a baking sheet with a rack.
3. Broil the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook.

Broiling adds a delicious crust to the flank steak while keeping the inside juicy. The broiler’s high heat cooks it quickly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. You’ll end up with a delicious broiled flank steak. Enjoy it by itself or in other tasty dishes.

Searing Flank Steak

Searing flank steak on a stovetop is a fantastic method to achieve a caramelized crust and a juicy interior.

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the flank steak in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.

By searing the flank steak, you create a delicious Maillard reaction. This reaction enhances the flavor and texture of the meat. The high heat allows the outside of the steak to brown and develop a flavorful crust. It also seals in the juices.

Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the flank steak. You want it to sizzle immediately upon contact with the pan. This ensures a beautiful sear and locks in the steak’s natural juices.

During the searing process, avoid moving or flipping the flank steak too often. Let it cook on one side for a few minutes. Then flip it to the other side. This allows the steak to develop a caramelized crust without sticking to the pan.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your flank steak and how well done you like it. Use a meat thermometer if needed to ensure your desired doneness.

Once the flank steak is seared to perfection, remove it from the pan. Let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute. It ensures a tender and flavorful steak.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of searing flank steak, you can create mouthwatering dishes. Whether you serve it as the main course or slice it thinly for sandwiches and salads, seared flank steak is sure to be a hit.

Resting and Slicing Flank Steak

After cooking, let the flank steak rest a bit before slicing. This step makes the steak tender and juicy. Place the steak on a cutting board, covered loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes.

While resting, the steak keeps cooking slightly. This ensures all the juice goes back into the meat. So, every bite is moist and tasty.

Then, it’s slicing time. For the best tenderness, cut the steak against the grain. Find the lines on the steak and slice across them. This makes the steak more tender and enjoyable.

Cut the flank steak into thin strips for serving. Thin strips are easy to chew and full of flavor. Use them in tacos, salads, stir-fries, or sandwiches for better texture and tenderness.

In summary, resting and slicing are key for a delicious steak. Rest it, then cut against the grain into thin strips for a tender, juicy meal. This will wow anyone who tries it.

Serving and Pairing with Flank Steak

Flank steak is great for many tasty sides and sauces. Let’s look at some top choices to go with your cooked flank steak:

1. Fresh Green Salad

Try a fresh green salad with your flank steak. Mix lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and other veggies with a tangy dressing. This fresh salad will balance the steak’s rich taste well.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great side for flank steak. Use a mix of colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Coat them in olive oil, season, and roast. They add a great flavor to your meal.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Enjoy garlic mashed potatoes with your steak for a cozy meal. Boil potatoes, then mix them with butter, garlic, and milk until creamy. These potatoes are a perfect match for the steak.

4. Tangy Chimichurri Sauce

A tangy chimichurri sauce can make your steak pop. Blend parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and chili flakes. Drizzle this flavorful sauce over your steak for an extra kick.

These ideas can turn your flank steak meal into something special. Get creative and enjoy the great tastes flank steak offers!

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Flank Steak

Here are some helpful hints to make your flank steak perfect every time.

1. Preheat your cooking surface: Always heat up your grill, broiler, or skillet before you start. This way, you’ll get a great sear on the outside. It keeps the inside tender and juicy too.

2. Use a meat thermometer: To make sure your steak is cooked just right, use a meat thermometer. It helps you know the exact internal temperature. This ensures your steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.

3. Let the steak rest: Don’t cut the steak right after cooking it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes first. This lets the juices spread out, making the steak juicier and more tender.

4. Get creative with seasonings and flavors: Feel free to try new seasonings and flavors. You can go for a garlic and herb rub, a barbecue marinade, or a spicy chili. Adding your own touch makes the steak even tastier.

Mastering the cooking of flank steak takes practice and care. But with these tips, you’ll make an amazing flank steak every time. It’ll surely wow everyone.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the top method to make flank steak tasty and tender. By using the steps in this article, everyone will be amazed by your cooking. Keep practicing, try new marinades, and have fun improving your flank steak dishes. Happy cooking!