Best Flank Steak Substitutes for Your Grill

Welcome to the world of grilling, a place where flavors shine and taste buds get excited. If you’re eager to improve your grilling skills and discover new tastes, we’ve got what you need. In this guide, we’ll share the top flank steak substitutes that will excite your taste buds and make your BBQ events memorable.

If you’re looking for other options because of dietary needs, not finding what you need, or just wanting to try new things, these substitutes will ensure delicious results. Say hello to exciting grills and welcome a range of tasty and tender alternatives.

Now, grab your tongs, start your grill, and let’s explore delicious flank steak substitutes. From tasty skirt steak to rich Portobello mushrooms and more, we have all the best tips for you. These alternatives will surely make your guests ask for seconds.

Prepare to wow your friends and family with these great flank steak substitutes. They’ll take your grilling to the next level. Ready to start a journey full of amazing flavors on your grill? Let’s begin!

Top Picks for Flank Steak Substitutes

Flank steak is great for grilling. But if you’re searching for something else, we can help. Check out these great alternatives for flank steak that will make your mouth water and wow your friends.

1. Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is much like flank steak, with a similar taste and feel. It’s juicy and soft, making it perfect for grilling. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight and then cook it to just right.

2. Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steak is marbled and flavorful, a great choice instead of flank steak. This tender cut comes from the shoulder. Spice it up with your preferred marinade, grill it, and get ready for a delicious bite.

3. Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is your go-to for flexibility. Cut from the bottom sirloin, it’s tender and juicy. Use your favorite seasonings, grill it medium-rare, and slice it thin for the best taste.

Try these awesome swaps for flank steak to up your grilling game. Whether it’s skirt steak, flat iron steak, or tri-tip, each choice adds amazing flavors and textures. So light the grill and prepare for a tasty feast without the usual flank steak!

Skirt Steak: A Close Cousin to Flank Steak

Skirt steak is a top pick for grilling, akin to flank steak in texture and taste. It’s a tender, flavorful beef cut, great when flank steak isn’t on hand or you want something new.

Coming from the cow’s diaphragm, skirt steak is recognized by its long, flat appearance and fat marbling. This fat makes the steak juicy and tender, much like flank steak.

Its similarity to flank steak makes skirt steak perfect for grill lovers. It’s excellent for fajitas, tacos, or just grilled on its own. This steak brings tenderness and taste to your dishes.

Keep some tips in mind for cooking skirt steak. This ensures it comes out juicy and perfectly done.

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Flat Iron Steak: Another Marbling Marvel

Looking for a yummy alternative to flank steak? Try flat iron steak. This beef cut is known for its amazing marbling. It brings out a rich taste that will make your grilling stand out.

The streaks of fat in the meat, called marbling, add to its tenderness and taste. Thanks to its high marbling, flat iron steak is very juicy and flavorful.

Grilling flat iron steak melts the marbling, making the meat super tender. This ensures a moist and tender steak, perfect when cooked to medium or medium-rare.

For the best grilling results with flat iron steak, just follow some easy steps:

1. Preparing the Steak

• Let the steak sit until it’s at room temperature for even cooking.
• Season it well with salt, pepper, or your chosen spices.

2. Preparing the Grill

• Heat your grill to a high temperature, between 450°F and 500°F.
• Clean and oil the grates to avoid sticking.

3. Grilling the Steak

• Cook the flat iron steak on the grill for 4-5 minutes each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time if you want it cooked differently.
• Flip the steak just once to get a nice sear.

4. Resting and Serving

• After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices spread out.
• Cut the steak into thin slices, going against the grain. This shows off its tender, marbled quality.
• Enjoy the flat iron steak as the main part of your dish, with your favorite sides and sauces.

Flat iron steak is a great pick if you’re after a flavorful, tender beef cut. Its marbling makes for a great eating experience. So, light up the grill and get ready for the delightful taste of flat iron steak!

Tri-Tip: Versatility at Its Finest

Looking for a tender and flavorful choice to replace flank steak? Tri-tip is perfect. It’s a cut that balances tenderness with a rich taste. It’s a hit for both backyard cookouts and quick dinners. Tri-tip takes your grilling to the next level.

Why Tri-Tip Makes a Great Flank Steak Substitute

Tri-tip stands out as a prime pick over flank steak because it’s so adaptable. Cut from the lower sirloin, it’s both lean and tender. This cut has a deep beef taste and keeps juicy on the grill. It suits anyone’s preference, cooked rare to well-done.

Tri-tip also soaks up marinades and seasonings well. You can add flavors easily, like a savory garlic and herb mix or a bold barbecue sauce. This cut takes on these tastes, boosting its natural flavor. Every bite is packed with a satisfying taste.

Expert Tips for Grilling Tri-Tip

To grill tri-tip for tender, flavorful results, follow these tips:

1. Preparation: Trim extra fat off the tri-tip first to avoid flare-ups. Season it well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices or rub.
2. Grilling: Heat the grill to medium-high. Sear the tri-tip on each side for 3-4 minutes to crust it. Move it to indirect heat, grilling it for another 20-30 minutes. Do this until it’s as done as you like.
3. Resting: After grilling, let the tri-tip rest for 10-15 minutes. This makes the steak juicier and tenderer.
4. Slicing: Cut the tri-tip against the grain in thin slices. This makes it tender and easy to eat.

Tri-tip works great whether as the main dish or sliced for sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Its versatility is its best feature.

Flavored London Broil: Infuse Extra Taste

Want to make your grilled meat tastier? Try a flavored London broil instead of traditional flank steak. It’s a flexible beef cut that you can marinate with many tasty ingredients. This way, you get a burst of flavor that beats flank steak.

Start with a high-quality beef cut for a yummy flavored London broil. Top round or bottom round are good choices. Then, marinate it to add flavor and make it tender.

Create a marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and spices. This mix will give the London broil a savory taste. It also makes the meat tender and juicy.

Put the London broil in a shallow dish or a plastic bag for marinating. Make sure it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge, or even better, overnight.

When ready to grill, heat your grill to medium-high. Take the meat out of the marinade and shake off any extra. Then season with salt and pepper for more flavor.

Grill the London broil over direct heat. Cook each side for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare. Change the time depending on how you like it cooked.

After grilling, let the London broil rest on a cutting board. This makes sure it stays juicy and tender. A few minutes should do the trick.

Cut the meat into thin strips against the grain. This keeps it soft. Serve as the highlight of your meal, with sides or in a steak sandwich.

With extra flavor, flavored London broil is a fantastic change from flank steak. Try different marinades and seasonings to find what you like best. Impress everyone with your grilling skills and a tasty flavored London broil.

Portobello Mushrooms: A Meaty Vegetarian Option

Portobello mushrooms are great for those who want a veggie option. They’re big, tasty, and perfect for grilling. People love them because they taste a bit like steak.

These mushrooms are awesome for burger patties or main dishes. When grilled, they’re juicy inside and crisp outside. Their rich taste is a hit, even for meat fans.

To prep Portobello mushrooms, take off the stem and clean them carefully. Marinate with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices. This marinade makes them even tastier.

Grill the marinated mushrooms on medium-high. They take about 5-7 minutes each side. Make sure they don’t get mushy by overcooking.

You can eat Portobello mushrooms many ways. Try them as a veggie burger or cut them up for salads, pastas, or stir-fries. They’re flexible and delicious.

Here’s a simple recipe to start:

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caprese Salad

1. 
2. Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Coat the mushroom caps with marinade on both sides.
• Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender.
• Let the mushrooms cool a bit after grilling.
• Arrange mushrooms, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a plate.
• Top with balsamic glaze and add salt and pepper if needed.
• Enjoy your grilled Portobello mushroom Caprese salad as a dish.

This recipe lets you enjoy Portobello mushrooms in a fresh salad. Add avocados, pine nuts, or red peppers for extra taste. It’s customizable.

Try Portobello mushrooms for a filling veggie option. Their meat-like quality and versatility are great for replacing meat.

Mock Tender Roast: Economical and Flavorful

Looking for a cheap but tasty alternative to flank steak? Try mock tender roast. Also called chuck tender or shoulder tender, it’s a great choice that’s easy on the wallet without skimping on flavor.

It’s simple to prepare and grill mock tender roast. Begin by seasoning it with spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Grilling brings out its flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill the roast for about 15 minutes each side. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Always check with a meat thermometer.

After grilling, let the roast rest. This makes sure it’s juicy and tender. Cut it against the grain to make it even softer.

For a crispy crust, sear the roast on high heat quickly. It gives your dish an amazing taste and texture.

Mock tender roast is very versatile. Serve it as a main dish or add it to sandwiches, tacos, stir-fries, and stews. You can create countless dishes with it.

Next time you want a tasty and budget-friendly meat, choose mock tender roast. Its softness and flavor will make you love it.

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Sweet and Savory

Pork tenderloin glazed with balsamic tastes both sweet and savory. It’s tender and juicy, perfect for BBQs. This dish will wow your guests and keep them coming back for more.

Start by mixing salt, pepper, and herbs to season the meat. Heat your grill to medium-high and oil it to stop sticking. Cook the pork tenderloin for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Make sure its internal temperature hits 145°F.

As it grills, make your balsamic glaze. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Heat it up until it simmers and gets slightly thick, which will take about 4-5 minutes.

Brush the tenderloin with the glaze as it finishes grilling. Cover both sides well. This gives the meat a tasty, caramelized coat. After glazing, cook it a bit more until the glaze is sticky. Ensure the pork is fully cooked.

Grilled Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin Recipe:

1. Season pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
3. Grill the pork tenderloin for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
5. Simmer the balsamic glaze for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the pork tenderloin with the balsamic glaze on both sides.
7. Cook the tenderloin for another 1-2 minutes on each side, until the glaze is slightly sticky and the pork is fully cooked.
8. Remove the tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve the tenderloin with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or salad. The sweet glaze and savory pork make a great combo. This dish is a delicious alternative to flank steak for your next BBQ.

Asian-Style Grilled Tofu: A Plant-Based Option

If you’re seeking a plant-based alternative, grilled tofu is perfect. It offers protein like flank steak does. Tofu absorbs flavors well, especially in Asian-inspired meals.

Choose firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to shed extra moisture. This helps it soak up marinades better.

Marinating is key for flavor. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for an Asian marinade. Coat slices of tofu in this mixture. Let them soak for 30 minutes or overnight for deeper taste.

Ready to grill? Get your grill to medium heat. No grill? A pan works too. Oil it lightly to stop sticking.

Put marinated tofu on the grill or pan. Cook each side for 4-6 minutes. You want it well heated. Basting with extra marinade while cooking adds flavor.

After grilling, let the tofu rest a bit before serving. This makes the flavors richer and the texture better.

This grilled tofu is great alone or in sandwiches and stir-fries. Its versatility and plant-based benefits are ideal for meat-free diets.

Try different Asian marinades and toppings. They make your grilled tofu dishes exciting. Both vegetarians and meat-eaters will love them.

Conclusion

Many great substitutes for flank steak can make your BBQ stand out. Skirt steak, flat iron steak, and tri-tip bring different tastes. Flavored London broil, Portobello mushrooms, and mock tender roast are also amazing.

Don’t forget about balsamic-glazed pork tenderloin and Asian-style grilled tofu. Trying new things can expand your cooking skills. Impress everyone with these delectable choices. Happy grilling!