Grill Flank Steak to Perfection – Easy Tips!

Welcome to the best guide on grilling flank steak! If dry and bland steak disappoints you, this is for you. We’ll share simple tips that will change how you grill. You’ll soon impress everyone with juicy, tasty steak. Follow our advice, and you’ll master grilling flank steak quickly!

Grilling flank steak is easy with our help. We’ll give you step-by-step instructions and insider tips for perfect steak every time. Our guide is for everyone, from pros to beginners. Let’s start learning how to grill flank steak perfectly!

Choosing the Right Flank Steak

Let’s pick the perfect flank steak for your next BBQ. The steak’s quality is key for a great meal. Knowing what to look for is important.

There are several things to think about when choosing a flank steak:

1. Grade

Beef grades vary and affect the steak’s taste and quality. Look for USDA Prime or Choice grades. These have more marbling, making the steak flavorful and juicy.

2. Color and Texture

The steak’s color and texture are important. Aim for a vibrant reddish steak with a fine grain. Avoid ones that look dull or discolored.

3. Thickness

Thickness matters too. Thicker steaks grill better and are juicier. Try to get one about 1 inch thick.

4. Marbling

Check the marbling, or fat content, in the steak. You want some fat for juiciness, but not too much. This keeps cooking even and avoids a greasy taste.

It’s best to buy from a trusted butcher or quality store. They will help you find the best steak for grilling.

Now you know how to pick a flank steak. Next, learn to marinate and season it for perfect grilling flavor.

Preparing the Flank Steak

Getting the flank steak ready is key for tasty and tender grill outcomes. Marinate and season the steak well to improve its taste and softness. Your guests will love every bite.

Start by marinating the flank steak to make it tender and flavorful. Use a marinade that boosts the steak’s natural taste. A good choice is soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Put the steak and marinade in a sealable bag or dish, covering all sides. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

After marinating, take the steak out and throw away the extra liquid. Season it with spices and herbs. Salt, pepper, and paprika can bring out the steak’s taste. Or make a dry rub from spices like garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure to cover all sides of the steak well with the seasoning.

Next, get the grill ready while the steak rests. Heat your grill to medium-high. This makes sure it’s hot enough to sear the steak and keep it juicy. For gas grills, heat for about 10-15 minutes with the lid shut. Use gray ash-covered charcoal for charcoal grills and spread them evenly.

As the grill warms, let the steak become room temperature. This helps it cook evenly, offering a juicy and tender steak. Rest the steak for 20-30 minutes to help the meat cook evenly.

After preparing the steak and heating the grill, it’s time for the next step – Setting Up the Grill. This part teaches you to create an ideal environment for grilling flank steak. First, look at this perfectly grilled flank steak:

Setting Up the Grill

Before you grill your flank steak, make sure to set up your grill the right way. This ensures your steak cooks just right. You’ll learn the best ways to preheat your grill and get it ready for cooking.

First, clean your grill grates to get rid of old residue. Use a sturdy brush to scrub them. This makes a clean surface for your steak.

Then, heat your grill to the right temperature. For flank steak, aim for a medium-high heat range of 375-400°F. This helps the steak cook evenly.

While the grill heats up, oil the grates. Use a paper towel or brush with oil, and rub it on the grates with tongs. This stops the steak from sticking.

Now, set up the grill for indirect cooking. For a gas grill, turn off burners directly under the steak. With a charcoal grill, move the charcoal to one side.

Indirect cooking is best for flank steak. It cooks the meat slowly and evenly, making it tender. This way, you avoid flare-ups and too much charring.

When the grill and steak are ready, close the lid to keep the temperature steady. Avoid opening the lid too much. Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s doneness.

With your grill ready and the flank steak on, you’re all set to grill your steak to perfection. Next, let’s look at different ways to grill your savory flank steak.

Grilling Techniques for Flank Steak

Grilling flank steak can make your meals exciting. Whether you love direct heat or the indirect way, we explain both. Follow our steps for delicious results.

Direct Heat Grilling

Grilling with direct heat is a favorite for many. Here’s how to cook a juicy flank steak:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Place the steak directly on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
4. Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through cooking.
5. After reaching your desired doneness, take the steak off the grill. Let it rest before slicing.

Indirect Heat Grilling

To get a tender and juicy flank steak, try indirect heat. Here’s the method:

1. Preheat one side of your grill to medium-high heat and leave the other side off.
2. Season the steak and place it on the cooler side of the grill.
3. Cook the steak for about 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare.
4. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to hit 135°F (57°C).
5. Once done, let the steak rest before slicing it.

Remember, your grilling technique might change depending on what you like and your grill. Don’t be afraid to try new methods.

Monitoring the Steak’s Internal Temperature

Getting the perfect flank steak is about hitting the right doneness. It’s key to watch the internal temperature while grilling. This helps you know when your steak is just right, whether you want it rare, medium, or well-done.

Let’s look at the ideal internal temperatures for flank steak:

Rare:

For a rare steak, aim for 125°F (52°C). At this temp, your steak will have a warm, red center. This makes it tender and juicy.

Medium:

A medium steak needs an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). This will get you a nice, pink center that’s super juicy.

Well-done:

If you like your steak well-done, cook it until it’s 145°F (63°C). This ensures the steak is fully cooked, with no pink at all.

Remember, these are just general guides. Your taste might be different. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature. This helps make sure your steak is cooked just how you like it.

Make sure to put the thermometer in the thickest part of the steak. Avoid any bones or fat for the most accurate reading. By keeping an eye on the temperature, you can cook your flank steak perfectly every time.

Resting and Slicing the Flank Steak

After you grill your flank steak, let it rest before cutting. This rest lets tasty juices spread through the steak, making it tender and yummy.

Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This time helps the meat keep its moisture, giving you a juicy and tasty steak.

While the steak rests, get your plates, utensils, and side dishes ready. This is a smart use of waiting time.

Now, it’s time to slice the steak. It’s key for tenderness and flavor. Put the steak on a board and grab a sharp knife for neat cuts.

Cut against the steak’s grain for softness. This means your slices go across the muscle lines. This makes the meat fibers shorter and the steak tender.

Slice the steak into thin pieces for tacos or salads. Or cut it in bigger slices for a main dish. Either way, it’s delicious.

With these steps, you get to enjoy tender, tasty steak. Serve it and love the juicy, delightful flavor from correct resting and slicing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

You’ve grilled your flank steak to perfection, now let’s get creative with how to serve it. This steak is perfect for both casual and elegant meals. Its tenderness and flavor make it very versatile.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice the flank steak thin and serve it in warm tortillas for tasty tacos. Add fresh salsa, avocado, and lime for extra flavor.
• Make a hearty sandwich with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, melted provolone, and horseradish sauce on a crusty baguette.
• Try a steak salad by combining thinly sliced steak, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
• For a quick meal, serve the steak with roasted veggies and creamy mashed potatoes.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pairing your grilled flank steak with the right beverage enhances the flavors. There are many great options.

• A Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec wine goes well with the steak’s savory tastes.
• Choose an amber ale or IPA if you like beer. They balance the meat’s flavor nicely.
• For something refreshing, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bright rosé works well.
• Non-alcoholic choices include sparkling water with lime, or a fruity iced tea.

With these ideas, you can elevate your grilled flank steak. Try mixing different flavors to find what works best. Whether for a party or a simple dinner, these tips will wow your guests.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to grill flank steak to juicy perfection. Now, it’s time to show off your skills. Impress your friends and family with your delicious steak.

Choosing the right steak, preparing it well, and mastering the grill are key. Don’t forget to check the steak’s temperature. Let it rest before cutting to get the best taste.

No matter how you like your steak, you’re ready to make it great. So, light up the grill and bring everyone together. Enjoy the amazing taste of perfectly grilled flank steak. Happy grilling!