Easy Flank Steak

Welcome to Eatimi! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days, and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort, and love. 💛

Flank steak brings back memories of summer barbecues. I remember the sizzle of the meat hitting the grill, the rich aroma filling the air, and everyone gathering around to enjoy a great meal. Cooking flank steak has that perfect mix of ease and indulgence.

This cut may seem intimidating at first, but it’s truly simple to prepare, especially when you use the right marinade. Easy flank steak delivers on flavour while taking minimal time to cook, making it an ideal choice for busy weekday dinners or laid-back weekend gatherings.

The marinade plays a crucial role in enhancing the meat’s natural flavour. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can transform this steak into something that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to create that delicious easy flank steak.

Easy Flank Steak Preparation

Fundamentals

Flank steak comes from the abdominal area of the cow, making it particularly lean and flavourful. Its long muscle fibers make it essential to slice against the grain after cooking. This technique helps tenderise each bite, enhancing your dining experience.

You can cook flank steak in various ways, but grilling remains a popular choice. Grilling not only gives the meat a lovely char but also locks in the juices. The marinade infuses the steak with a sweet and savoury flavour which ensures it stands out as the star of your meal.

Preparation/setup

Preparing easy flank steak requires a bit of planning, especially regarding the marinade. Start by blending the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, and ground ginger in a bowl. This mixture acts as a ticket to mouthwatering flavour.

Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak gets well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly to trap all those yummy flavours. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinate it for up to 24 hours. This extended marinating time will yield exceptional results.

Ingredients

For this easy flank steak recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 flank steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

These simple ingredients work together to create a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes in your steak.

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and ground ginger to create the marinade.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
6. Grill the flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Elevating Flank Steak

Technique

Mastering the technique of cooking flank steak makes all the difference. Grilling provides a quick sear, resulting in a delicious crust that enhances the steak’s overall flavour. Don’t forget to preheat the grill to ensure a consistent cooking temperature.

As you grill, pay attention to the timing. Each side benefits from 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat. Use a meat thermometer if you want precise results. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, or adjust based on your preference.

Tips/tricks

To make the most of your easy flank steak, here are some tips:

• Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling. Allowing it to come to room temperature helps ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with the marinade by adding herbs or spices. Options like rosemary or thyme can bring new depth to your dish.
• Always slice against the grain for the best texture, minimising chewiness. Thin slices serve as the perfect accompaniment to salads or sandwiches.

Perfecting Flank Steak

Perfecting results

Perfecting your cooking method not only involves timing, but also understanding how to judge doneness. Besides using a thermometer, you can test the meat by pressing it with your finger. The firmer it feels, the more well-done it is.

Cooking flank steak emphasizes the importance of resting after grilling. Letting it sit for a few minutes preserves the juices, resulting in a succulent bite.

Troubleshooting/variations

Variations in grilling can lead to different outcomes. Factors like the thickness of the steak and differences in grill types can affect cooking time and temperature. If your steak turns out tougher than expected, it may benefit from a more extended marinating period next time.

If you desire a smokier flavour, consider adding wood chips to the grill. Alternatively, try broiling if grilling isn’t an option. Adjust the distance between the heat source and the steak during this method to suit your cooking style.

Serving Easy Flank Steak

Serving/presentation

When it comes to serving easy flank steak, presentation matters. Arrange the sliced steak on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. This simple touch elevates the meal and makes it visually appealing.

Consider pairing with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad. Flank steak also works well in fajitas or sliced in sandwiches, making it versatile for many occasions.

Pairings/storage

For pairing, flank steak goes wonderfully with various sides like grilled corn, rice, or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For reheating, use low heat to avoid drying out the meat. You can also enjoy cold leftover steak in salads or wraps, allowing the flavours to shine even on the second day.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a flavourful result that makes easy flank steak a must-try dish. Whether for a family dinner or a summer grill party, this recipe never disappoints.

Easy Flank Steak

An easy and flavorful flank steak recipe that requires minimal time and effort, perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Grilling

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 flank steak 1 flank steak A flavorful cut from the abdominal area.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup soy sauce For adding savory depth.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For moisture and richness.
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
• 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon black pepper For a mild kick.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground ginger Adds a warm spice to the marinade.

Method 

Marinating the Steak

1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and ground ginger to create the marinade.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Grilling the Steak

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Grill the flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, remove steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for extra flavor.