15 Flank Steak Recipes to Elevate Your Grilling Game
I’ve always loved cooking flank steak because it’s one of those cuts that, with the right marinade or cooking method, turns into something truly amazing.
It’s lean, full of flavor, and cooks up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend BBQ.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of flank steak recipes—grilled with a smoky spice rub, sliced thin for tacos, or marinated in a tangy chimichurri sauce.
No matter how you prepare it, this cut never disappoints. If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy flank steak, I’ve got 15 mouthwatering recipes that will take your steak game to the next level.
1) Classic Grilled Flank Steak
Classic grilled flank steak offers a delicious and straightforward option for any grilling occasion. This cut is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Place the flank steak in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Turn the steak to coat evenly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F).
- Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.
This recipe works well for gatherings and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy the bold flavors captured in each bite.
2) Korean-Style Bulgogi Flank Steak
Korean-style bulgogi is a flavorful dish featuring marinated flank steak. The marinade typically blends soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions.
- Add the sliced flank steak and ensure it’s fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat.
- Remove excess marinade from the steak and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until cooked.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
This dish is great served with rice or in lettuce wraps. Enjoy the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in this delightful Korean classic.
3) Chimichurri Marinated Flank Steak
Chimichurri marinated flank steak is a flavorful dish that showcases the classic Argentine sauce. The vibrant chimichurri, made from herbs and garlic, complements the tender meat perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine parsley, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the chimichurri sauce.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the chimichurri sauce over it.
- Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess sauce drip off.
- Cook the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side, aiming for medium rare.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain and serving with additional chimichurri sauce.
4) Flank Steak Fajitas
Flank steak fajitas are a quick and flavorful option for dinner. This dish combines tender beef with sautéed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Mix olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place flank steak in the mixture, allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the marinated flank steak for about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Let the steak rest, then slice it against the grain.
- Sauté bell pepper and onion in the same skillet until tender.
- Serve the sliced steak with the veggies on warm tortillas.
Flank steak is a great choice because it is lean and flavorful. Pair these fajitas with toppings like sour cream or guacamole for added taste.
5) Garlic Butter Flank Steak
Garlic Butter Flank Steak is a flavorful dish that highlights the rich taste of flank steak. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Season both sides of the flank steak with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour any drippings from the steak into the garlic butter. Stir to combine.
- Thinly slice the steak against the grain and drizzle with the garlic butter.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
This dish pairs well with vegetables or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
6) Teriyaki Flank Steak
Teriyaki flank steak offers a savory and sweet flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the meat. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can prepare this dish easily on the grill or in a skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain for tenderness.
7) Smoked Paprika Flank Steak
For a flavorful twist on flank steak, try the smoked paprika rub. This seasoning enhances the meat’s natural flavors while adding a smoky depth.
Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Rub the flank steak with olive oil.
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Apply the spice mixture evenly over the steak.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time as needed for doneness.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
This method results in tender, juicy steak that pairs well with various sides. Enjoy the rich, smoky flavor complementing the savory beef.
8) Thai Peanut Flank Steak
Thai Peanut Flank Steak is a flavorful dish that combines tender marinated steak with a rich, spicy peanut sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs flank steak
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, 3 tablespoons lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and chili paste.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for later use.
- Marinate flank steak for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
- Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to your preference.
- Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together reserved marinade, peanut butter, water, and remaining lime juice until smooth.
- Serve sliced steak drizzled with peanut sauce.
Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
9) Szechuan Flank Steak Stir-Fry
Szechuan Flank Steak Stir-Fry is a flavorful dish that features marinated flank steak tossed with vibrant vegetables. The key ingredients include:
- Flank steak
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Szechuan peppercorns
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Cooking oil
To prepare this dish, follow these steps:
- Start by patting the flank steak dry and slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
- Marinate the steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and Szechuan peppercorns for enhanced flavor.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the marinated flank steak and sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to achieve a nice crust.
- Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar, stirring everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve this dish hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Enjoy the balance of spice and savory notes in every bite.
10) Lime and Cilantro Flank Steak
This flavorful Lime and Cilantro Flank Steak is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. The marinade complements the beef beautifully, giving it a bright, fresh taste.
Ingredients:
- Flank steak
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Place the flank steak in a baking dish or ziplock bag.
- In a bowl, whisk together cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 2 hours or overnight for stronger flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for about 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature; aim for 135°F.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve this juicy dish with fresh veggies or tortillas for a complete meal.
11) Balsamic Glazed Flank Steak
Balsamic glazed flank steak is a flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of balsamic vinegar with a tender cut of meat. This recipe is simple and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
- Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, enhancing the rich flavors of the balsamic glaze. Enjoy your meal.
12) Ginger Soy Flank Steak
Ginger Soy Flank Steak is a flavorful dish that highlights the bold taste of soy sauce combined with the warmth of ginger. This recipe is simple and can be prepared in under an hour with a short marinating time.
Ingredients
- Flank steak
- Soy sauce
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Lime juice
- Chili flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, and chili flakes.
- Place your flank steak in the marinade, ensuring it is well coated.
- Marinate for at least one hour, ideally longer for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill or broiler on high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
- Grill or broil the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal. The balance of flavors makes it a favorite choice for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
13) Cajun Rubbed Flank Steak
Cajun Rubbed Flank Steak offers a flavorful twist to traditional grilling. This recipe features a blend of spices that enhances the natural taste of the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Cooking Instructions:
- Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels.
- Rub Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper all over the steak.
- Drizzle olive oil on the steak to help the spices adhere.
- Allow the steak to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-140°F (54-60°C).
- Once done, remove the steak and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut against the grain and serve for optimal tenderness.
This Cajun version allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with rich flavors that are sure to please.
14) Red Wine Marinated Flank Steak
Red wine marinated flank steak offers a savory flavor profile, ideal for grilling. This recipe highlights the balance of acidity and richness in the marinade.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, combine dry red wine, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the marinade thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Place the flank steak in the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; longer for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
- Grill the steak for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.
15) Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce
Flank steak with blue cheese sauce is a flavorful option that enhances the natural richness of the meat. This recipe requires a few key ingredients and can be prepared on the grill or stovetop.
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or chives)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Lightly coat the steak with olive oil before placing it on the grill or skillet.
- Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
- Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat and add minced garlic.
- Stir in the crumbled blue cheese and heat until it melts slightly, creating a sauce.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain and drizzle the blue cheese sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a side salad.
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