Craving a juicy and flavorful steak that will have your taste buds dancing? Look no further than the Best Grilled Marinated Flank Steak Recipe. This mouthwatering dish is the perfect blend of savory seasonings and tender meat, resulting in a steak that is unbeatable in taste. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply indulging in a delicious meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to fire up the grill and treat yourself to the best grilled marinated flank steak you’ve ever had.
Ingredients
To make the best grilled marinated flank steak, you will need the following ingredients:
Flank steak
Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. It is important to choose a good quality flank steak for the best results.
Marinade
The marinade is the key to infusing the flank steak with flavor and tenderizing the meat. Here is what you will need for the marinade:
- Olive oil: This will provide moisture and help to distribute the flavors in the marinade.
- Soy sauce: For a salty umami flavor that complements the beef.
- Lemon juice: The acidity will help to tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Dried herbs: Use your favorite dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the taste.
- Salt and pepper: To season the marinade and the steak.
Preparing the Flank Steak
Before marinating the flank steak, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure the best texture and taste.
Trim the excess fat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the flank steak. While fat can add flavor, too much can lead to flare-ups on the grill and an oily end result. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any visible fat.
Score the steak
Scoring the steak involves making shallow cuts on its surface. This helps to tenderize the meat and also allows the marinade to penetrate deeper. Make diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across the steak on both sides.
Tenderize the meat
To further enhance the tenderness of the flank steak, use a meat tenderizer to pound it gently on both sides. This will break down the muscle fibers and result in a more tender and juicy steak.
Making the Marinade
The marinade is what gives the flank steak its delicious flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. Here is how you can make the marinade:
Mixing the ingredients
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Marinating the steak
Place the scored flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the steak will absorb.
Grilling the Flank Steak
Grilling the marinated flank steak is the final step to achieve a delicious and juicy result. Here is what you need to do:
Preheating the grill
Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and gets a nice sear on the outside.
Getting the perfect temperature
When grilling flank steak, it is best to cook it to medium-rare or medium for the most tender and flavorful result. Aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grilling the steak
Place the marinated flank steak on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium, cook to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting and Slicing
Resting the grilled flank steak is important to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. Here is what you should do:
Resting the steak
After grilling, transfer the flank steak to a cutting board and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This rest period will ensure that the juices stay in the meat and result in a tender and succulent steak.
Slicing the steak
When the steak has rested, it is time to slice it. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain into thin slices. Cutting against the grain will result in more tender pieces as it shortens the muscle fibers.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your grilled marinated flank steak is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some suggestions:
Garnish ideas
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil on top of the sliced steak for a burst of freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Serve the flank steak with a wedge of lemon for guests to squeeze over their steak for added tanginess.
- Grated cheese: Add some Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese on top of the steak slices for an extra flavor kick.
Side dish recommendations
- Grilled vegetables: Serve the flank steak with a side of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices make a delicious accompaniment to the grilled flank steak.
- Salad: A fresh and colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can complement the steak beautifully.
Tips and Tricks
To make your grilled marinated flank steak even better, here are some useful tips and tricks:
Choosing the best flank steak
Look for flank steak that has a bright red color and is well-marbled with fat. Avoid steaks that are pale or have excessive fat or connective tissue.
Marinating time
For the best flavor, marinate the flank steak for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.
Grilling techniques
Preheat your grill before cooking the steak and make sure it is clean. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the steak over medium-high heat and avoid pressing down on it with a spatula, as this will release the juices.
Slicing tricks
To achieve tender slices, make sure to cut the grilled flank steak against the grain. This will break up the muscle fibers and result in more tender slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best results, keep these common mistakes in mind and avoid them:
Over-marinating the steak
While marinating adds flavor, over-marinating can actually make the meat mushy. Stick to the recommended marinating time and avoid leaving the steak in the marinade for too long.
Using a dull knife for slicing
Using a dull knife can result in ragged slices and can be frustrating to work with. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean and even slices.
Not resting the steak properly
Resting the grilled flank steak allows the juices to redistribute and for the meat to become more tender. Skipping this step can lead to drier and less flavorful meat.
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavors, here are some variations you can try for your grilled marinated flank steak:
Asian-inspired marinade
For an Asian-inspired twist, swap out the dried herbs in the marinade with ginger and sesame oil. Add a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tex-Mex seasoning
For a Tex-Mex flavor profile, replace the dried herbs in the marinade with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Teriyaki glaze
For a sweet and savory option, marinate the flank steak in a teriyaki glaze made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Brush the glaze on the steak while grilling for an extra sticky and flavorful crust.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about grilled marinated flank steak:
Can I use a different cut of meat?
While flank steak is the recommended cut for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts like skirt steak or hanger steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I broil the steak instead of grilling?
Yes, you can broil the marinated flank steak instead of grilling if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat the broiler, place the steak on a broiler pan, and cook it for 4-6 minutes per side, following the same temperature guidelines.
How long should I rest the steak?
Rest the grilled flank steak for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy end result.
