What Is Flank Steak?
A flank steak comes from the lower abdominal region of the cow, known for its long, flat shape and distinctive grain. It’s a lean and flavorful cut of meat, but it can be tough if not cooked properly, so it’s often marinated, grilled, or sliced thinly against the grain to make it tender.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for beef flank steak, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Selecting Your Beef:
For the best flank steak, look for one that’s bright red with thin streaks of marbling, which adds flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find flank steak, you can use similar cuts of beef, such as skirt steak, for almost the same texture and taste.
Flank Steak Marinade:
Olive Oil – You can swap olive oil for avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil. Coconut Aminos – This is my preferred soy sauce substitute due to its slightly sweet, umami flavor, but if you prefer, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Lime Juice – An acidic ingredient is key to making the meat tender. I used lime juice, but you can also use lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Garlic – For convenience, you can use 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Kosher salt also works instead of sea salt.
How To Cook Flank Steak
This section shows 3 ways to make flank steak recipes, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. The marinade in this flank steak recipe pairs well with Mexican or Asian flavors, like a taco salad (or simply with a scoop of fresh tomato salsa) or an Asian-inspired cabbage salad, but you can also try balsamic steak marinade instead for something different. There are 3 common methods for cooking flank steak: broiling it in the oven, grilling it, or pan searing it. The key part to a juicy, flavorful result is the marinade. Other than that, I don’t think there is one best way to cook flank steak, so choose your preference.
Marinate First:
Follow these steps no matter what cooking method you use…
Whisk together the olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), lime juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Add the flank steak and turn to coat in marinade. Cover with plastic wrap, or pour in a zip lock bag and marinate in the refrigerator.
Broiled Flank Steak In The Oven:
This method is similar to a London broil…
Preheat your oven broiler to High. Place the marinated flank steak on a sheet pan (or even a grill pan). Broil, flipping halfway through, until cooked to your desired doneness. Rest before slicing.
Grilled Flank Steak:
Grilling is one of the fastest ways to cook this cut of beef…
Preheat your grill, after you oil the grill grates. Grill the flank steak over direct heat, until it reaches your desired doneness. Don’t forget to rest away from heat.
Pan Seared Flank Steak:
This is just as fast as grilling, but you can do it year-round…
Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, until very hot, then add oil. Add the steak and sear on both sides until it reaches your desired doneness. Rest on a plate before serving.
How Long To Cook Flank Steak?
Cooking flank steak to medium-rare takes 8-10 minutes on the stovetop or on the grill, or 10-14 minutes in the oven (under the broiler). The time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and how done you like it. For 1-inch-thick flank steaks, follow my time chart for your perfect level of doneness:
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep cooked flank steak recipes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Meal prep: Mix up the flank steak marinade and marinate for up to 24 hours. Reheat: Warm in the oven at 275 degrees F, covered with foil, preferably with a little broth in the baking dish to keep it moist, until heated through. (See my reverse sear steak post for more details on this method.) Freeze: You can freeze both raw or cooked flank steak in a freezer-safe zip lock bag. Raw steaks will last up to 12 months in the freezer, but cooked tastes best for up to 3-4 months.
What To Serve With Flank Steak
Cooking flank steak for dinner? All you need is a delicious side dish to go along with it. Serve your steak with a healthy side dish: Learning how to cook flank steak is pretty easy, but here are some tips to help you make a perfect steak every single time:
Don’t marinate for more than 24 hours. You need at least 2 hours for the flank steak marinade to tenderize the meat, but overnight is ideal. Don’t go over 24 hours though, or the steak can get mushy. Let steak come to room temperature before cooking. It will sear better and cook more evenly. Just remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before. Use a meat thermometer. A probe thermometer (this one is my fave) works best because it’s hands off and will beep when the steak reaches your desired internal temperature, but a regular meat thermometer (like this one) also works. Remove from heat and rest. This helps the juices incorporate into the meat, so they don’t leak out when you cut into it. Slice against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
Classic Steak Sides – You can’t go wrong serving this steak beside a heap of mashed potatoes, some sauteed mushrooms, and creamy spinach. Veggie Sides – For some comforting sides to complete your meal, serve with baked asparagus (or try asparagus wrapped with prosciutto) or tender oven roasted zucchini. Or just make some classic roasted broccoli. Toppings – Take this flank steak recipe to the next level with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce or a tablespoon of herby compound butter. Taco Fixings – Serve your favorite tortillas with homemade guacamole, onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese for flank steak tacos. Or, just substitute the ground beef with steak slices in a taco salad. Land & Sea – For a budget friendly date night, make this steak with some seafood for a delicious surf and turf dinner!
More Flank Steak Recipes
I love using flank steak in other dishes. Here are some other flank steak recipes to try: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
