Easy Flank Steak Recipes (2024)

There are plenty of flank steak recipes that will give you the tenderness of a steak but with the flavors of a fajita.

Did you know that fajitas were first created in the late 1930s? Mexican ranch workers living in Texas were sometimes paid in meat instead of money. And of course, the meat they were given was often the parts of the cow that the ranchers didn’t want, such as the flank steak or skirt steak.

The hard-working cowboys wasted no time teaching themselves to cook these cuts of beef, and they served the grilled meat right up on their tortillas. Since that time, beef fajitas have soared in popularity, and they become mainstream in the 1960s at Guajardo’s Cash Grocery store.

The real secret is getting the right flank steak marinade to put your meat in for a few hours so it has a chance to soak up all those delicious ingredients.

You’ll also hear it called skirt steak marinade but it’s the same cut of meat and it will taste just as good as any flank steak marinade recipe.

Flank steak, a versatile and flavorful cut of beef, has gained popularity among home chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike. As you embark on your culinary adventure with flank steak, you’ll discover a variety of delicious recipes that are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its relatively low cost and adaptability to different cooking methods, there’s no wonder why flank steak is becoming a favorite choice for many.

To get started in the world of flank steak recipes, you’ll first need to familiarize yourself with the basics of selecting, preparing, and cooking this unique cut. Once you have a firm grasp on these fundamentals, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the myriad of delectable dishes that await your taste buds. From mouthwatering marinated grilling sensations to sumptuous slow-cooked delights, the possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming flank steak into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Remember, the secret to a scrumptious flank steak dish lies in the art of balancing flavors and textures. As you explore the countless recipes available, keep an open mind, and be prepared to tweak and adjust ingredients and techniques to your personal preferences. This way, you’re bound to create an unforgettable flank steak dish that you and your loved ones will be clamoring for seconds.

The best thing about a flank steak recipe is it doesn’t take a ton of time to make because they are mostly sitting in the grill cooking on their own.

Grilling flank steak is one of the most popular ways to do it because you get all that rich smoky flavor combined with the rest of the ingredients you’re using.

This is one of the best recipes for flank steak so it will be perfect to use when you start busting out the grill again.

How to Grill Flank Steak

When you have a marinade flank steak the best option is always going to be to grill it. The great thing about flank steak recipes is that they are usually pretty forgiving so if you’re a little new to grilling, this is a good option for you.

The meat will be pretty thin compared to other cuts so you don’t have to leave it on nearly as long so the cooking time is pretty short.

You can even use a cooking brush while the marinated flank steak is cooking to coat the meat every so often with more of the sauce so it never dries out and stays extra juicy.

If you’re wondering how long to grill flank steak you’ll have to wait about 15-20 minutes for the meat to cook thoroughly. You could use a thermometer to test the internal temp to make sure it’s just right.

If you can’t cook your flank steak on grill then you can use a skillet to get the job done. Just make sure it’s set to high heat so that you can sear it when you throw it on and it gets a nice crisp outer layer.

What is Flank Steak?

The flank steak, or skirt steak, is from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s a long, thin cut of meat that can be a little tough if not cooked properly.

That’s why a good flank steak grilled recipe is key to making sure it comes out tender and juicy every time.

But, when it’s cooked correctly, the grilled flank steak is one of the most flavorful and tender cuts of meat you’ll ever eat.

Because the abdominal muscles are used pretty often the flank steak is a low-fat cut which means it’s pretty inexpensive in the store compared to other meats.

When you cut the flank steak you want to make sure you cut against the grain at about a 45 degree angle. This will ensure your grilled flank steak recipe is easier to eat and isn’t as tough to chew.

Marinading Flank Steak

A flank steak marinade recipe is only as good as the marinade you put on it. Usually the marinade is made from rich and savory ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.

The truth is, you can make your marinade out of pretty much anything you want. If you’re used to more southwest flavors you can throw in some peppers to make it a bit spicier. If you prefer a more refreshing meat you can toss in some herbs or mints to make it really shine.

If you went to every state and had a flank steak made for you it would probably be different every single time you tired it. Once you get used to the recipe and cooking your flank steak go ahead and start experimenting with your favorite flavors.

How Long Do You Have to Marinate Flank Steak?

Marinading the steak is really the secret to getting all the great flavors but how long you marinate is really up to you. The longer you keep the steak in the marinade the more flavor it’s going to absorb.

Ideally, you want to keep the steak in there for at least 12 hours so prepping it the night before and letting it sit in the fridge overnight would be best. If you wanted, you could go ahead and leave the steak in the marinade for up to 24 hours to get the most tender and flavorful steak ever.

But, if you are pressed and don’t have time to spare then a quick 2-hour marinade would still help a lot more than just not marinating it altogether.

How Do You Store and Reheat Flank Steak?

You can store your marinated flank steak recipes in the fridge in an airtight container like you normally would with other foods. It should last you about 3-4 days that way and it’s super easy to reheat.

Just stick it on a plate with some water splashed on it and stick it in the microwave for the easiest way to reheat. If you want to keep the integrity of the grilled steak a little more you’ll need to preheat the oven to about 225 degrees and let it rest in the oven till the internal temp is around 110 degrees.

Be careful about leaving it in for too long because that’s how you’ll dry it out and the meat will become a lot tougher. What you can do is splash a little water on your meat so it provides more water that can evaporate instead of sucking all the juices from within.

Ideas for Leftover Grilled Flank Steak

There are so many things you can do with a grilled flank steak recipe and so many different dishes you can add it to. Here are some of the best ways you can use your juicy steak for different recipes:

• Using them as filler in your weeknight tacos
• Cut them up and add to your stir-fry
• Use it as protein for your ramen and broccoli bowl
• Use them in a ramen or pho bowl
• Add them to a healthy arugula salad
• Use them with eggs as a savory breakfast option
• Put them inside a burrito
• Make the best nachos you’ve ever had
• Take some lettuce wraps and create a no-carb taco

Grilled Marinated Flank Steak

How hot should the grill be for flank steak?

You want to make sure your grill reaches about 450 to cook your flank steak. Since the beef cut is pretty thin you don’t have to worry about cooking it on low temps to make sure it cooks all the way through.

The high heat will also create a nice sear on your steak so the outer fat layer caramelizes and creates a delicious flavor on your steak. Make sure to wait for the grill to warm up completely before throwing the steak on or else you might mess with the cooking times.

Do you close the grill when cooking flank steak?

For a flank steak it’s much less important to keep the grill closed then if you had a thicker cut of steak like a filet mignon. The thin flank steak can cook just as well with the grill lid open as it can with it closed. If you are trying to conserve time or trying to get the best possible results it’s recommended to keep the lid closed.

This is because when the lid is closed the temperature can remain the same throughout the entire compartment and will help the steak cook more evenly.