Cooking a good meal can be one of life’s great pleasures, and there’s nothing quite like a tender, juicy steak to bring warmth to your dinner table. A properly marinated flank steak offers a combination of comfort and flavor that makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The rich, savory notes from the marinade will envelop the meat, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste. Cooking this dish provides not just a meal but an experience to savor and enjoy with those you love.
This recipe centers around a succulent piece of flank steak, marinated in a delightful mix that includes soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, and a variety of spices like black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. The soy sauce adds a saltiness that complements the sweet undertones from the brown sugar, while the garlic and mustard impart a subtle depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
Preparing this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills. First, you’ll whisk together the marinade in a bowl. Next, you’ll allow the flank steak to soak in this flavor blend for a couple of hours — or ideally, overnight. After marinating, it’s just a matter of grilling the steak to your preferred doneness. The high heat sears the meat quickly, locking in the juices, followed by a brief resting period that ensures the steak remains tender and flavorful.
This tender marinated flank steak is perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a celebratory meal, or enjoying a casual evening at home, this dish fits the bill. Its versatility makes it a great choice for chilly nights, casual summer barbecues, or even potlucks with friends. The fantastic taste will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy for anyone to whip this dish up.
- Comfort Food: Juicy, flavorful steak is universally loved and sure to please family and friends.
- Versatility: Perfect for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
- Healthy Choice: Lean meat with flavorful marinade allows for a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.
Flank Steak Tips
When selecting your flank steak, look for a piece that’s bright red with little visible fat. Fresh meat will have a firm texture and should be moist but not slimy. If you can, purchase grass-fed or organic flank steak for enhanced flavor and better quality. Before cooking, let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly, yielding a tender and juicy result.
Options for Substitutions
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil can be used for a similar flavor with a higher smoke point.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works well if you want a fruitier note.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch if you do not have fresh garlic.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Onion Powder: Fresh shallots can provide a fresh flavor if you prefer.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When preparing flank steak, a common pitfall is marinating it for too short a time. This cut of meat benefits greatly from longer marination — ideally overnight — to allow the flavors to penetrate thoroughly. Similarly, some people forget to let the cooked steak rest after grilling. Skipping the resting phase can lead to dry steak, as the juices need time to redistribute throughout the meat.
Another mistake is overcooking the flank steak. This cut is best enjoyed medium rare to medium, as cooking it further can make it chewy. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F for medium-rare.
Finally, remember to discard the marinade after resting the steak. Using it for basting or another purpose can lead to food safety issues, as the marinade has been in contact with raw meat. Always use fresh ingredients for any additional sauces or glazes.
What to Serve With Tender Marinated Flank Steak Recipe?
This delicious flank steak pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, for a balanced meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent choice to complement the richness of the steak. For a heartier side, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice can round out the meal perfectly. Enjoying this dish with a nice glass of red wine can also elevate the experience.
Storage Instructions
To store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze: If you wish to extend your enjoyment, freeze the cooked steak for up to 3 months.
To reheat: For stovetop reheating, slice the steak into bite-sized pieces and warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. For microwaving, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes (including marination)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 600-700
Protein: 60-70 grams
Fat: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard until well combined. This will create a flavorful marinade for the flank steak.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, ensuring all meat is covered, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
About 20 minutes before grilling, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to sear the steak when placed on the grill.
Step 4: Prepare the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remnants of the marinade. Let the steak come up to room temperature for about 30 minutes; this helps it cook evenly.
Step 5: Grill the Steak
Once the grill is hot, place the flank steak on it. Grill for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be a helpful tool here.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
After grilling, allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board. This resting period will keep the juices in the steak. Finally, slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
In summary, the tender marinated flank steak recipe is a fantastic dish for anyone looking to create a memorable meal with minimal fuss. The marinade works wonders to infuse flavor into the meat, and grilling creates a beautiful sear. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and share your experience or variations in the comments. Explore my blog for more hearty recipes that bring warmth and joy to your table. Happy cooking!
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Tender Marinated Flank Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 147 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A juicy flank steak marinated in a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth to any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard until well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, ensuring all meat is covered, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat the grill: About 20 minutes before grilling, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remnants. Let the steak come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Grill the steak: Once the grill is hot, place the flank steak on it. Grill for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Rest and slice: After grilling, allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board. Slice against the grain and serve.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 62g
- Cholesterol: 130mg