Best Flank Steak
Why Make This Recipe
Flank steak is a delicious cut of beef that is not only budget-friendly but also full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a hearty meal that captures the essence of good cooking without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. Flank steak is known for its rich taste and is great for grilling or searing. Moreover, marinating the steak makes it tender and infuses it with mouth-watering flavors.
Making flank steak allows you to explore your culinary skills. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads. It’s also a great option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and spices makes it easy to prepare without sacrificing taste. This dish brings everyone together with its savory aroma and satisfying texture, making it a crowd-pleaser at any table.
How to Make Best Flank Steak
To make the best flank steak, you will need to follow these straightforward steps. With minimal ingredients and easy directions, you can whip up a tasty steak dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix the ingredients well until they are fully blended into a smooth marinade. This step is crucial as the marinade is what will give your flank steak its delicious flavor.
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Marinate the Steak: Take the flank steak and place it in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it is well-coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate it. To get the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, if time allows, letting it sit for up to 8 hours will make the meat even tastier and tender.
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Preheat the Skillet: When you are ready to cook, take your cast iron skillet and preheat it over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot enough so that the steak can sear properly, giving it a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside.
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Remove and Drip: Take the flank steak out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade, as it should not be reused for food safety reasons.
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Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned flank steak in the preheated skillet. Cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip it over carefully and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness. For medium, aim for about 6-7 minutes per side; for well done, cook a few minutes longer.
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Let It Rest: Once cooked to your desired level, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for about 5 minutes. Letting it rest is important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
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Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Cutting against the grain helps to ensure a tender texture. You can serve the flank steak on its own, with sides, or use it in various dishes like tacos or stir-fries.
How to Serve Best Flank Steak
When serving flank steak, presentation can make a difference. Here are some ideas to consider:
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Plated Dinner: Arrange the sliced flank steak on a platter and add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for color. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or mashed potatoes.
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Tacos: Flank steak makes an excellent filling for tacos. Place the sliced steak in soft or hard taco shells, topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
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Salads: For a healthier option, serve the sliced steak over mixed greens with chopped tomatoes, avocados, and a dressing of your choice. This can be particularly refreshing for warm days or when you want something light.
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Stir-Fry: Use the cooked flank steak in a stir-fry with colorful vegetables. Toss it in a hot pan with bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a quick and satisfying meal.
How to Store Best Flank Steak
Storing leftover flank steak properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and texture. Follow these steps to ensure it stays fresh:
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Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked flank steak, allow it to cool to room temperature after cooking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
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Freezing: If you want to keep flank steak for a longer period, consider freezing it. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Flank steak can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: When reheating, place the steak in a skillet over low heat to warm it through without overcooking. You can also slice it and add it to a stir-fry to bring it back to life.
Tips to Make Best Flank Steak
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Choose Quality Meat: Select flank steak that has a good amount of marbling. Marbled meat tends to be more flavorful and tender.
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Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: Marinating the steak for several hours or overnight can significantly improve the flavor and tenderness, so plan ahead.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, consider using a meat thermometer. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well done.
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Slice Correctly: Always cut against the grain. This makes the meat easier to chew and enhances the dining experience.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to tweak the marinade to include your favorite ingredients. Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavors.
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Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking is vital for juicy results. Do not rush this step.
Variation
If you want to try variations on the basic flank steak recipe, consider these ideas:
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Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce into the marinade for a spicy kick. You can use jalapeños in your dishes when serving as well.
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Herbed Marinade: Instead of using onion powder and paprika, try fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano in the marinade for a different aromatic quality.
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Citrus Flavored: Incorporate citrus juices like lime or orange into the marinade for a bright and fresh taste.
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Asian Influenced: For an Asian twist, you can add ingredients such as sesame oil, ginger, or rice vinegar for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin, but cooking times may vary based on the cut’s thickness and tenderness. Skirt steak has a similar flavor profile and is great for grilling, while sirloin is on the leaner side.
2. How can I tell if my flank steak is cooked properly?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. Medium-rare should be around 135°F, medium around 145°F, and for well done, aim for 160°F.
3. Is it necessary to marinate flank steak?
While it is not absolutely necessary, marinating flank steak adds significant flavor and helps tenderize the meat, making it more enjoyable to eat.
4. What sides pair well with flank steak?
Flank steak pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with garlic bread or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
5. Can I marinate the steak for more than 8 hours?
It is generally best to marinate flank steak for up to 8 hours, as marinating longer can actually break down the fibers too much and make the meat mushy. However, if you are using a more acidic marinade, be cautious with the time.
6. What should I do with leftover marinade?
It is not safe to reuse leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. However, you can heat it to a boil for a few minutes and use it as a sauce if desired. Just ensure that it reaches a safe temperature to eliminate any bacteria.
By following these guidelines and enjoying the cooking process, anyone can create the best flank steak that will impress family and friends at the dinner table!
