Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that can be prepared using various cooking methods. Two popular methods that bring out the best in flank steak are grilling and oven broiling. In this article, I will guide you through the steps for cooking flank steak using both the methods, allowing you to enjoy this delicious cut of meat with two distinct flavor profiles.
1. Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and black pepper.
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. If using a plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air and seal it tightly. Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
Remove the flank steak from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) using a meat thermometer.
While grilling, avoid excessive flipping or pressing on the steak to retain its juices. Instead, let it cook undisturbed on each side to develop a nice sear.
Once cooked to your preferred doneness, remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for about 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
After resting, slice the grilled flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers and enhances tenderness.
Serve the grilled flank steak hot, and you can garnish it with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Pair it with your favorite side dishes such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad.
2. Oven Broiled Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: additional seasonings or marinades of your choice
Instructions
Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Place the oven rack about 4-6 inches away from the heat source.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Place the flank steak on a baking sheet or broiler pan. If desired, you can score the surface of the steak lightly with a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate.
Brush the marinade evenly over both sides of the steak, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor.
Once the steak has marinated, place it under the preheated broiler. Ensure the oven door is slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and prevent the broiler from turning off.
Broil the flank steak for approximately 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. Keep a close eye on the steak to prevent it from burning.
After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the steak using tongs or a spatula, and broil for an additional 4-6 minutes on the other side. The exact cooking time will depend on your oven’s broiler and the thickness of the steak, so it’s best to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
Once the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness (130-135°F or 54-57°C for medium-rare), remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
Allow the steak to rest for about 5-10 minutes. After resting, slice the oven broiled flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
Serve the flank steak immediately, and consider garnishing it with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
By following the step-by-step instructions for both methods, you’ll be able to enjoy tender and flavorful flank steak with distinct taste profiles. So, fire up the grill or preheat the oven, choose your preferred method, and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering flank steak.