If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering meal, look no further than this incredible Grilled Marinated Flank Steak Recipe. With its tender, juicy meat and flavorful marinade, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. The combination of tangy soy sauce, zesty garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious mixture that infuses the steak with a burst of flavor. Simply grill the marinated steak to perfection, and watch as everyone gathers around, eagerly anticipating their first bite. Get ready for compliments, because this recipe is a surefire winner!
Ingredients
Flank steak
The first ingredient you’ll need for this delicious grilled marinated flank steak recipe is, of course, flank steak. Flank steak is a flavorful and relatively lean cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. It’s important to choose a good quality flank steak that is well-marbled and has a rich red color. Look for a cut that is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimum grilling results.
Marinade ingredients
The marinade is what really sets this grilled flank steak apart. For the marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and helps to tenderize the meat.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture and helps to distribute the flavors of the marinade.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Garlic: Gives a wonderful aroma and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance out the richness of the steak.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and helps to emulsify the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Marinade Preparation
Mixing the marinade
To prepare the marinade, simply combine all the marinade ingredients listed above in a bowl or a large resealable plastic bag. Whisk or shake the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved. This will help to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
Marinating the flank steak
Once you’ve prepared the marinade, it’s time to marinate the flank steak. This step is crucial to infuse the steak with the flavors of the marinade and help to tenderize the meat. Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak, making sure that it is completely covered. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for even more intense flavor.
Grilling
Preheating the grill
Before you start grilling the marinated flank steak, it’s important to preheat your grill properly. Preheating ensures that the grill grates are hot enough to create a nice sear on the steak and helps to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C) for the best results.
Grilling the steak
Once your grill is preheated, it’s time to grill the marinated flank steak. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak reaches your preferred temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F (57°C), and for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C).
Resting and Slicing
Resting the steak
After grilling, it’s essential to let the steak rest before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak. Transfer the grilled flank steak to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
Slicing and serving
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to slice it and serve. Slice the flank steak against the grain, which means cutting across the muscle fibers rather than parallel to them. This will result in more tender and easier-to-chew slices. Serve the sliced flank steak on a platter and garnish it with optional garnishes of your choice.
Optional Garnishes
Herbs and spices
To add an extra layer of flavor to your grilled marinated flank steak, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs and spices. Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil can add a vibrant freshness, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can provide a subtle hint of heat.
Sauces and condiments
Another way to enhance the flavor of your grilled flank steak is to serve it with a variety of sauces and condiments. Classic choices include chimichurri, a tangy and herbaceous sauce, or a creamy horseradish sauce for a hint of sharpness. Other options could include barbecue sauce, salsa, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Tips and Variations
Alternative cuts of meat
If you can’t find flank steak or prefer a different cut, there are a few alternatives that can work well for this marinade. Skirt steak and hanger steak both have a similar texture and flavor profile to flank steak and can be substituted without any adjustments to the marinade or grilling instructions.
Marinade variations
While the marinade recipe provided is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavor variations to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients such as honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, ginger for a touch of warmth, or even some hot sauce for a spicy kick. Just remember to balance the flavors and adjust the quantities accordingly.
Additional grilling techniques
Grilling the marinated flank steak as a whole is the traditional method, but you can also try slicing it into strips or cubes before marinating for kebab-style grilling. Another option is to butterfly the flank steak by cutting it horizontally into two equal halves and then marinating and grilling each half separately. This technique allows for quicker cooking and a different presentation.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the flank steak?
For optimal flavor, marinate the flank steak for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the marinating time, the more pronounced the flavors will be. However, avoid marinating the flank steak for more than 24 hours, as the marinade’s acidity can start to break down the meat fibers.
Can I cook the steak to medium?
Yes, you can cook the flank steak to medium, but it’s important to note that flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Cooking it beyond medium can result in a tougher and less flavorful steak. If you prefer your steak cooked to medium, adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.
Conclusion
Savor the flavorful grilled marinated flank steak that you’ve prepared with love and care. The combination of the tender and juicy flank steak with the tangy and savory marinade is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it as the main course of a barbecue gathering or as a delicious weeknight dinner, this grilled marinated flank steak recipe is bound to be a hit. Enjoy!
