Perfectly Marinated Flank Steak Recipe

Exploring new flavors and ingredients often brings back the fondest memories of family gatherings. One distinct memory is of my family’s summer barbecues, where the aroma of marinated flank steak sizzling on the grill filled the air. The anticipation of that first bite, with flavors swirling together so harmoniously, always made my heart skip a beat. Flank steak, with its unique texture and ability to soak up flavors, easily becomes the star of the meal when prepared correctly.

Preparing perfectly marinated flank steak has developed into a personal favorite for many home cooks, like me. The balance of olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice creates a marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the meat, making every bite a joyful experience. The mixture of garlic and spices brings an incredible depth, to which my family continuously asks for more. Cooking it on the grill only adds to the excitement, as everyone gathers around, eagerly awaiting the first taste.

Creating delicious food that brings people together is what makes cooking so rewarding. Nothing beats that satisfaction of seeing loved ones enjoy a meal made with care and creativity. Beyond just a meal, perfectly marinated flank steak serves as a catalyst for cherished memories and joyous conversation. Let’s dive into how to prepare this vibrant dish that is sure to delight your family and friends on any occasion.

Perfectly Marinated Flank Steak

Fundamentals

When considering how to create perfectly marinated flank steak, it’s essential to understand a few fundamentals. Flank steak, known for its robust flavor and slightly chewy texture, benefits immensely from marinating. The marinade acts as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer, ensuring each bite is a burst of savory goodness.

Using simple, high-quality ingredients will elevate this recipe, turning ordinary steak into something remarkable. The chosen marinade includes a mix of extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, brown sugar, black pepper, and cumin, all working in harmony. Each element plays a role; the acid from the lime juice breaks down proteins, while the olive oil keeps it moist. Together, they create a marinated flank steak that bursts with flavor.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into cooking, preparation is vital for a successful outcome. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1.5 lbs of flank steak, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, black pepper, and cumin powder. Measure these out carefully, as the balance of flavors significantly impacts your final dish.

Next, create the marinade by whisking together the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and cumin in a bowl. This base is where fat meets flavor, so whisk thoroughly to combine. Once the marinade reaches a well-blended consistency, it’s time to add the star ingredient — the flank steak.

Ingredients

To prepare this dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

The directions are simple yet essential for creating your perfectly marinated flank steak. Follow these steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat, approximately 450°F (232°C). Don’t forget to clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the marinated flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Once perfectly grilled, remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Getting the Most Out of Your Marinated Flank Steak

Technique

Developing the perfect technique when grilling flank steak can enhance its flavor and texture. Firstly, marinating the flank steak for a longer duration allows it to absorb more flavors, resulting in a richly seasoned piece. Ensure to slice the steak against the grain after cooking; this helps maintain tenderness.

Pay attention to your grill’s temperature. A hotter grill ensures a beautiful sear, locking in juices and creating that appealing grill marks. Allowing the steak to rest post-cooking is equally crucial. This process lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing every bite is juicy and full of flavor.

Tips/tricks

A few tips can elevate your marinated flank steak experience. Consider adding a little heat to your marinade with some crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick. Feel free to get creative—adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can introduce another layer of flavor.

Don’t forget about the importance of letting the steak come to room temperature before grilling. This will help it cook more evenly. For those who want to try something different, consider using the flank steak in tacos or over a fresh salad after slicing it thinly.

Perfectly Grilled Flank Steak

Perfecting results

Perfecting the results when making marinated flank steak lies in both the marinade and the cooking method. Always lean on high-heat grilling, which promotes proper searing. Perfectly cooked flank steak should have a nice, charred exterior while remaining juicy on the inside.

Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve the preferred doneness. Typically, medium-rare is around 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remove it from the grill 5-10°F before this temperature, as residual heat will continue to cook the meat during resting.

Troubleshooting/variations

Sometimes issues can arise that affect the quality of marinated flank steak. If your steak ends up being too tough, it might indicate it was overcooked or not marinated long enough. Conversely, overly salty steak could signal too much soy sauce in the marinade.

To create variations, consider trying different cuts of beef or altering the marinade ingredients. Fresh minced ginger or a splash of apple cider vinegar can provide a unique twist, offering a new flavor profile that everyone may enjoy.

Serving Ideas for Flank Steak

Serving/presentation

Presentation can elevate your grilled flank steak and impress your guests greatly. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and arrange it on a large platter. For a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the steak or alongside it. This visual appeal, paired with aroma, enhances the overall dining experience.

For serving, consider pairing your flank steak with grilled vegetables or a fresh summer salad. The vibrant colors and contrasting flavors will complement the dish beautifully.

Pairings/storage

When it comes to pairings, flank steak shines with a variety of sides. Grilled corn, over-roasted potatoes, or a quinoa salad all work well. For leftovers, store your marinated flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, do so gently to maintain tenderness; skip the microwave. Instead, consider reheating it in an oven or on the stovetop with a little oil. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your perfectly marinated flank steak even the next day!

Perfectly marinated flank steak serves as a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with love in the kitchen. The tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors come together to create a dish that resonates not only with the palate but also with cherished memories. Embrace the joy of home cooking as you recreate this delectable recipe!

Perfectly Marinated Flank Steak

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful marinated flank steak that’s grilled to perfection, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and cumin until well combined.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat, about 450°F (232°C), cleaning and oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the marinated flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level.
5. Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Notes

Letting the steak come to room temperature before grilling helps it cook more evenly. Feel free to add crushed red pepper to the marinade for extra heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: flank steak, marinade, grilled steak, summer barbecue, family recipe