Flank steak is a tasty and versatile cut of beef that’s perfect for many dishes. It’s lean, flavorful, and easy to cook.
You can grill it, pan-sear it, or even slow cook it for tender results. Flank steak works well in tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
These 15 flank steak recipes will give you new ideas for cooking this popular cut of meat. You’ll find options for quick weeknight meals and fancy dinners.
From classic marinades to creative new flavors, there’s something here for everyone. Try these recipes to add variety to your menu and impress your family and friends.
1. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
This tasty dish combines juicy grilled flank steak with zesty chimichurri sauce.
Start by marinating the steak in a mix of soy sauce, lemon juice, oil, and spices for 30 minutes to 2 hours. While the steak marinates, make the chimichurri sauce.
Blend fresh herbs, garlic, oil, and vinegar until smooth. Grill the steak on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve the sliced steak topped with a generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce. The bright, herby flavors perfectly complement the rich, smoky meat.
2. Flank Steak Tacos with Lime Crema
Flank steak tacos are a tasty and easy meal option. Marinate the steak in cilantro, lime, garlic, and pineapple for great flavor.
Grill the flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. Warm some soft flour tortillas to hold your taco fillings. Top the steak with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and Monterey Jack cheese.
For extra flavor, add a lime crema sauce made with jalapeños. You can customize your tacos with avocado, pickled red onions, or cotija cheese.
Serve with your favorite salsa on the side for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
3. Marinated Flank Steak with Soy and Ginger
This tasty marinade will make your flank steak tender and flavorful. Mix soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, oil, and honey in a large plastic bag.
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scallions to the bag. Place the flank steak inside and seal it tightly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 10 hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat (400-450°F). Grill the steak for about 4 minutes per side until charred and cooked to your liking.
Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. You can brush some heated marinade over the slices for extra flavor.
4. Stuffed Flank Steak with Spinach and Cheese
This dish combines tender flank steak with savory spinach and melted cheese. Start by laying out your flank steak flat and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Next, layer provolone cheese and baby spinach over the steak. Roll it up tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Sear the stuffed steak in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Then transfer it to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. You’ll end up with beautiful pinwheels of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and nutritious spinach.
5. Spicy Flank Steak Stir-Fry
This zesty dish brings heat to your dinner table. You’ll love the mix of tender flank steak and crisp veggies in a spicy sauce.
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender.
Mix cornstarch, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce for a flavorful coating. Stir-fry the meat quickly over high heat.
Add colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas for crunch and nutrition. The veggies should stay crisp-tender.
A splash of beef broth helps create a savory sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less chili sauce.
Serve this sizzling stir-fry over rice for a satisfying meal.
6. Flank Steak Salad with Blue Cheese
This tasty salad combines juicy flank steak with tangy blue cheese. Start by grilling your flank steak for about 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
While the steak rests, prepare your salad. Mix greens, blue cheese crumbles, onions, tomatoes, and strawberries in a bowl.
For the dressing, blend mayonnaise, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the sliced steak to your salad and drizzle with the blue cheese dressing.
You can also add avocado for extra creaminess. This salad is perfect for a light summer meal or a hearty lunch.
7. BBQ Flank Steak with Honey Glaze
BBQ flank steak with honey glaze is a tasty twist on grilled beef. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors in this dish.
Start by making a simple honey glaze. Mix honey, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl.
Brush the glaze on your flank steak before grilling. Cook the steak on high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then slice it against the grain into thin strips.
Serve your honey-glazed flank steak with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. Asian Flank Steak Lettuce Wraps
Asian Flank Steak Lettuce Wraps offer a light and tasty meal option. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this dish.
Start by marinating the flank steak in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. This adds depth to the meat’s taste.
Grill or pan-sear the steak until it’s cooked to your liking. Let it rest, then slice it thinly against the grain.
Arrange crisp lettuce leaves on a plate. Fill them with the sliced steak, julienned carrots, and sliced cucumbers.
Top your wraps with a zesty sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. This adds a kick of flavor to each bite.
9. Garlic Herb Flank Steak
This tasty recipe packs a flavorful punch. You’ll start by marinating the flank steak in a mix of garlic and herbs.
Preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side. Then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut against the grain into thin strips.
The result is a tender, juicy steak with a crispy herb crust. The garlic and herbs create a savory blend that complements the beef perfectly.
Serve this steak with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
10. Flank Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Flank steak fajitas are a tasty and simple meal you can make at home. Start by marinating the steak in a mix of lime juice, oil, and spices for 2-8 hours.
While the steak marinates, slice bell peppers and onions. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook the veggies until tender-crisp, about 7 minutes.
Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let it rest, then slice against the grain.
Serve the steak and veggies with warm flour tortillas. Add toppings like sour cream, cheese, or guacamole if you like.
11. Coffee-Rubbed Flank Steak
Coffee-rubbed flank steak adds a rich, bold flavor to your meal. Mix ground coffee with spices like chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder to create a tasty rub.
Pat the steak dry and coat it evenly with the coffee mixture. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Grill the steak over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. This will give you a medium doneness.
Let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Then slice it against the grain and serve. The coffee rub creates a delicious crust that complements the meat’s natural flavors.
12. Balsamic Flank Steak with Mushrooms
Balsamic flank steak with mushrooms is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love the rich flavors of this meal.
Start by marinating your flank steak in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. This mix helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Let it sit for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to cook, heat oil in a large pan. Sear the steak until it’s browned on both sides. Add mushrooms to the pan for extra flavor and texture.
As the steak cooks, it creates a tasty glaze with the marinade. The mushrooms soak up these flavors too. Cook the steak to your liking, then let it rest before slicing.
Serve your balsamic flank steak and mushrooms hot. It pairs well with a side of veggies or potatoes for a full meal.
13. Flank Steak with Sesame-Ginger Marinade
This tasty marinade brings Asian flavors to your flank steak. Mix soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Pour it over the steak and let it sit for 3-4 hours in the fridge.
When you’re ready to cook, take the steak out and pat it dry. Heat your grill to high and oil the grates. Grill the steak for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
After grilling, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Cut against the grain for the most tender bites. This flavorful dish pairs well with grilled veggies or rice.
14. Chipotle-Lime Flank Steak
This zesty dish brings bold flavors to your dinner table. You’ll love the tangy lime and smoky chipotle combo that infuses the meat.
To make it, mix chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro for the marinade. Coat your flank steak and let it sit for at least 8 hours.
When ready, fire up the grill. Cook the steak for 5-10 minutes per side, depending on how well-done you prefer it.
The result? A juicy, flavorful steak with a spicy kick. Slice it thin against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
15. Flank Steak with Chimichurri Butter
Flank steak with chimichurri butter adds a tasty twist to a classic dish. Start by marinating your flank steak in a mix of oil, citrus juice, and spices for 2-12 hours.
While the steak marinates, make the chimichurri butter. Blend fresh herbs, garlic, and spices with softened butter. Chill this mixture until you’re ready to use it.
Grill your steak over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice the steak against the grain and top with a dollop of the flavorful chimichurri butter.
This recipe works great for gatherings. You can easily adjust the amounts to serve more people. The chimichurri butter adds a burst of flavor that complements the rich taste of the flank steak.
Understanding Flank Steak
Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s prized for its rich taste and versatility in cooking.
Selecting Quality Flank Steak
Look for flank steak with a deep red color and minimal fat. Good flank steak should have visible muscle fibers running along its length. This grain is key to its texture and flavor.
When buying, choose pieces that are uniform in thickness. This helps ensure even cooking.
Fresh flank steak should feel firm to the touch and have no strong odors. Check the packaging date if buying pre-packaged steak. Fresher is always better.
For the best quality, buy from a trusted butcher who can answer questions about the meat’s origin and aging process.
Flank Steak Nutritional Benefits
Flank steak is a nutritious choice for beef lovers. It’s high in protein, with about 23 grams per 3-ounce serving. This makes it great for muscle building and repair.
It’s also relatively low in fat compared to other beef cuts. A 3-ounce portion contains about 8 grams of fat. Flank steak is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Here’s a quick nutrient breakdown per 3-ounce serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 8g
- Iron: 15% of Daily Value
- Zinc: 20% of Daily Value
Remember, cooking method affects final nutritional content. Grilling or broiling can help keep it lean.
Cooking Techniques for Flank Steak
Flank steak is a versatile cut that can be prepared using different methods. The key is to cook it quickly over high heat and slice it against the grain for the best texture and flavor.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
Preheat your grill to high heat. Pat the flank steak dry and season it with salt and pepper.
Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Don’t move the steak while it’s cooking to get nice grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute.
Cut the steak against the grain into thin slices at a 45-degree angle. This makes it more tender and easier to chew.
Marinating for Enhanced Flavor
Marinate your flank steak for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for the best flavor.
Use a mixture of oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and seasonings. A simple marinade can include olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs.
Place the steak and marinade in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Turn the steak a few times to coat it evenly.
Refrigerate while marinating.
Remove the steak from the marinade 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better when cooking.
Don’t reuse the marinade as a sauce unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria.