Our Best Flank Steak Recipes

February 10, 2025

Flank steak is a cut of beef that can be cooked in many tasty ways. It’s known for being lean and full of flavor.

This article will show you some great recipes to try with flank steak.

You’ll find ideas for grilling, pan-searing, and slow-cooking flank steak. These recipes range from simple marinades to more complex dishes.

They’ll help you make the most of this versatile cut of meat for any meal.

1. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the juicy, tender meat paired with a zesty sauce.

To start, season your flank steak with salt and pepper.

Grill it over high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

While the steak cooks, make the chimichurri sauce. Mix chopped parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling. Then slice it against the grain and top with the fresh chimichurri sauce.

This meal is perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners. You can also marinate the steak beforehand for extra flavor.

2. Flank Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Flank steak tacos are a tasty and easy meal option. Start by marinating your flank steak for 8 to 24 hours to boost flavor.

Mix spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to season the meat.

Grill the steak on medium-high heat for best results.

While the steak cooks, prepare a fresh avocado salsa. Combine diced avocado, mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. This adds a creamy, zesty kick to your tacos.

Slice the cooked steak against the grain. Serve in warm tortillas with the avocado salsa and your favorite toppings like pico de gallo or Mexican crema.

3. Honey-Lime Glazed Flank Steak

This sweet and tangy recipe brings out the best in flank steak. You’ll love the bright lime flavor mixed with rich honey.

Start by marinating your steak in lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic for about an hour. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, grill the steak over high heat for 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

While the steak rests, mix honey and lime juice to make a quick glaze. Drizzle this over your sliced steak just before serving.

This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also use leftovers in tacos or sandwiches the next day.

4. Marinated Flank Steak Fajitas

Marinated flank steak fajitas are a tasty and easy meal option. You can make a simple marinade with lime juice, orange juice, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Marinate your flank steak for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Grill the marinated steak for about 10-12 minutes, turning once. Let it rest before slicing against the grain.

Serve your fajitas with grilled peppers and onions. Add warm tortillas and toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

5. Teriyaki Flank Steak Stir-Fry

Teriyaki flank steak stir-fry is a tasty and quick meal you can make in under an hour. This dish combines tender beef with colorful veggies in a flavorful sauce.

To make it, start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain.

Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki sauce.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Cook the beef for about 4 minutes until browned. Set it aside and stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for 2 minutes.

Combine the beef and veggies, then pour the teriyaki sauce over everything.

Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Serve your stir-fry hot over rice for a filling meal.

6. Garlic Butter Herb Flank Steak

Garlic butter herb flank steak is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the rich flavors of garlic and herbs mixed with tender beef.

Start by marinating your flank steak in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Next, sear the steak in a hot cast iron pan or grill pan.

Cook it for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches your desired doneness.

While the steak rests, make a quick garlic herb butter. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a bit of lemon zest.

Slice the steak thinly across the grain and top it with the flavorful butter. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

7. Spicy Cajun Flank Steak Skewers

Spice up your next meal with these zesty Cajun flank steak skewers. Start by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.

Mix Cajun seasoning with olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.

Coat the steak strips thoroughly and let them marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

Thread the marinated steak onto soaked wooden skewers in an accordion style. This helps ensure even cooking and makes the skewers easier to eat.

Grill the skewers over high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. The quick cooking time keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Serve these spicy skewers hot off the grill. They pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a cool salad to balance out the heat.

8. Flank Steak with Balsamic Glaze

Flank steak with balsamic glaze is a tasty dish you can make at home. Start by marinating the steak in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and oregano.

Grill the flank steak for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. While it cooks, make a glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.

Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then slice it against the grain and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

This recipe gives you tender, flavorful meat with a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for serving to guests.

9. Stuffed Flank Steak with Spinach and Cheese

Stuffed flank steak is a tasty way to dress up this lean cut of beef. You’ll start by butterflying the steak to create a flat surface for the filling.

Mix chopped spinach with ricotta or cream cheese and seasonings for the stuffing. Spread this mixture evenly over the flattened steak.

Roll the steak up tightly, securing it with kitchen twine.

You can then grill or roast the stuffed flank steak until it reaches your desired doneness.

Let the steak rest before slicing. When you cut into it, you’ll reveal pretty spirals of beef wrapped around the cheesy spinach filling.

10. Korean BBQ Flank Steak with Kimchi

Korean BBQ flank steak brings bold flavors to your plate. Start by marinating the steak in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. This blend adds a sweet and savory taste to the meat.

Grill the steak on high heat for about 5 minutes per side. This creates a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Let it rest before slicing against the grain.

Serve your Korean BBQ flank steak with kimchi on the side. The tangy, spicy kimchi complements the rich flavors of the meat.

You can also add rice and grilled vegetables to make it a complete meal.

11. Flank Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

This tasty salad combines tender flank steak with a tangy blue cheese dressing. Start by grilling your flank steak to your liking and letting it rest.

Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Arrange mixed baby greens on a plate and top with the sliced steak.

Add cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled blue cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle on some sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Drizzle your homemade blue cheese dressing over the top.

You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This hearty salad makes a great summer meal. Serve it with some crusty bread on the side for a filling dinner.

12. Mushroom and Wine Braised Flank Steak

This recipe combines tender flank steak with rich mushrooms and red wine. Start by browning the steak in a large skillet with some oil.

Next, add red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs to the pan. Let it simmer until the steak reaches your desired doneness.

Remove the steak and keep it warm.

In the same pan, cook mushrooms with more wine, beef broth, and seasonings. The sauce will reduce and thicken as it cooks.

Slice the steak against the grain and serve it topped with the savory mushroom wine sauce.

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

13. Flank Steak Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce

You’ll love this tasty flank steak sandwich topped with zesty horseradish sauce. Start by marinating the steak in a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and mustard to boost flavor.

Grill the flank steak to your preferred doneness. Let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain. This keeps the meat tender and easy to bite.

For the horseradish sauce, mix prepared horseradish with sour cream or mayonnaise.

Spread it on crusty ciabatta bread. Add the sliced steak and pile on some pickles for crunch.

This hearty sandwich packs a flavor punch. The cool, spicy horseradish complements the savory grilled steak perfectly.

It’s great for lunch or a quick dinner.

14. Smoky Chipotle Flank Steak

Bring bold flavors to your dinner table with this smoky chipotle flank steak. The secret is in the marinade, which packs a punch of heat and spice.

To make the marinade, blend cilantro, green onions, olive oil, and chipotle sauce.

Add cumin, black pepper, oregano, and salt for extra depth.

Coat your flank steak in this zesty mixture and let it sit for at least 4 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Grill or pan-sear the steak to your desired doneness. Let it rest before slicing against the grain.

Serve in tacos, burrito bowls, or with your favorite sides.

15. Ginger Soy Flank Steak with Sesame Asparagus

This tasty dish combines flavorful marinated flank steak with crisp sesame asparagus. Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and brown sugar for the marinade. Let the steak soak up these flavors for at least an hour.

Grill or broil the steak to your desired doneness. While it cooks, stir-fry asparagus with sesame oil and a splash of the marinade for extra flavor.

Slice the steak against the grain and serve it alongside the sesame asparagus.

This meal offers a perfect balance of savory meat and crisp vegetables. You can adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

16. Italian-Style Flank Steak Roll-ups

Italian-Style Flank Steak Roll-ups are a tasty and fancy-looking dish. You start by laying out a flank steak flat on a work surface.

Next, you spread a mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese on top. Some recipes add prosciutto and provolone for extra flavor.

Roll up the steak from the short end, like a jelly roll. Tie it with butcher’s twine to keep it together.

Brown the roll in a skillet with olive oil. Then add tomato sauce and let it simmer until the steak is cooked through.

The result is a flavorful, tender steak pinwheel that’s sure to impress your dinner guests.

Best Cooking Methods for Flank Steak

Flank steak is a tasty and versatile cut of beef. You can cook it in several ways to bring out its best flavors and textures.

Grilling Techniques

Grilling flank steak gives it a nice smoky flavor. Start by patting the steak dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper.

Heat your grill to high. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

Don’t move the steak while it cooks to get nice grill marks. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This helps keep the juices in and makes the meat more tender.

Pan-Searing Tips

Pan-searing is great when you can’t grill outdoors. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot.

Add a little oil to the pan. Season your flank steak and place it in the hot pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of sear.

Use tongs to flip the steak. After cooking, let it rest before slicing.

Broiling for Optimal Flavor

Broiling is a quick way to cook flank steak indoors. Set your oven to broil and place the rack about 4 inches from the heat.

Season your steak and put it on a broiling pan. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Broiling gives the steak a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Understanding Flank Steak Cuts

Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef. It comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow and has distinct characteristics.

Knowing how to choose and prepare flank steak is key to getting the best results.

Characteristics of Flank Steak

Flank steak is a long, flat cut with visible muscle fibers running through it. This grain gives the meat its signature texture.

The cut is lean and has little fat marbling. Flank steak is known for its strong beef flavor. It can be tough if not cooked properly.

To keep it tender, you should cook it quickly over high heat. Grilling, pan-searing, and stir-frying work well.

After cooking, always slice flank steak against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender. Aim for thin slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Choosing the Right Cut

When buying flank steak, look for a piece that’s deep red in color. It should have minimal fat and no brown spots.

The cut should be about 1 inch thick. Check that the flank steak is firm to the touch. Avoid cuts that feel soft or mushy.

A typical flank steak weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. For best results, buy your flank steak from a butcher or meat counter.

They can answer questions and ensure you get a quality cut. If buying packaged steak, check the expiration date and make sure the package is sealed.