Do you know what flank steak is? You might have had it before and not realized it. The flank steak is a piece of beef cut from the abdominal muscles of the cow.
It can be prepared in many ways but is often used for fajitas or stir-fry. If you’re looking to add some new flavor to your dinner rotation, flank steak is a great option! Check this complete article for more details on how to cook it.
What Is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a cut of meat from the lower abdomen. It is a thin, extended cut of beef that is usually around 1-2 inches thick. Flank steak is often used for fajitas or stir-fry but can also be grilled, roasted, or broiled.
Flank steak is leaner than other cuts of meat, but it is still relatively strict. It is best cooked to medium-rare or doneness and sliced thinly against the grain before serving.
Nutrition Facts for Flank Steak
Flank steak contains 182 calories per 3 ounces (85 g), 7 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein, and zero carbohydrates. It is rich in zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12.
How to Cook Flank Steak
There are many different ways to prepare flank steak. Here are a few of our favorites:
Fajitas: Marinate the flank steak in your favorite fajita marinade and grill or broil for about 5 minutes per side. Slice into thin pieces and serve with grilled onions, peppers, and guacamole.
Stir Fry: Marinate the flank steak in a teriyaki sauce and grill or broil for about 5 minutes per side. Cut into thin strips and sauté with your favorite vegetables.
Roast: Coat the flank steak in a store-bought marinade or rub and cook at 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes.
Grill: Preheat your Traeger grills to medium-high heat and cook the flank steak for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired doneness.
Broil: Preheat your broiler to high and cook this flank steak for around 3-4 minutes every side, or until it reaches the needed doneness.
Slow Cooker:
- Combine 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and a tablespoon of minced garlic in a slow cooker.
- Add flank steak, then cook for four hours, low or high for two hours.
- Turn off the temperature, plus let the steak stay for 10 minutes before cutting.
- No matter how you choose to cook it, flank steak is a delicious and healthy addition to your dinner rotation! Give it a try tonight.
Marinating Flank Steak
Marinating a flank steak in your favorite sauce or marinade overnight is a great way to add some flavor! You can marinate it with:
- BBQ Sauce (some people like to add a bit of brown sugar to this)
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Honey and Sriracha Sauce
- Alfredo or Garlic Sauce
- Herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Flank Steak Pan Fry
One of our favorite ways to cook a flank steak is to pan-fry it in a bit of oil. If you don’t have much experience cooking steak, this is a great way to start! To pan-fry your flank steak:
- Heat 1 tbsp. Olive oil and 2 tbsp. Butter in a skillet up to moderate temperature for 3 minutes.
- Use salt and pepper to season the steak and put it in the skillet.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the steak over.
- Add 1 tbsp. Of minced garlic to the pan if you need a new layer of flavor!
- Place the steak from the pan on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the steak into the grain into small pieces and serve.
Flank Steak Recipes
Now that you know how to cook the flank steak, Here are some of the best recipes to get your artistic juices flowing:
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Chicken Fajitas
- Cilantro Lime Flank Steak with Avocado Salad
- Asian Marinated Flank Steak Wraps
- Lime Chicken and Peanut Butter Noodles (made with flank steak)
- Stir Fry with Flank Steak and Vegetables
- Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
- Steak Salad with Blue Cheese and Pears
- Raspberry Balsamic Flank Steak Kabobs
The options are endless! Check out some of these recipes and see which one you like. You might find a new go-to meal!
How To Prepare Flank Steak For Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt
- pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill, broiler, or pan to medium-high heat.
- Use salt and pepper to season flank steak on both sides
- Warm the olive oil also butter in a skillet over moderate temperature.
- Add the flank steak to the skillet; cook for around 5 minutes on every side until it touches the wanted doneness.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, add one tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan while cooking.
- Slice the steak and stay for 5-10 minutes before you serve.
How To Grill Flank Steak
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to grill your flank steak, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place a little bit of olive oil in a small bowl and use a basting brush to grease the Pit boss grill grates with it before you place the steak down on them.
- Grill the steak for 2 minutes per side, then flip it over and grill it for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, depending on how done you want your steak.
What to Serve with Flank Steak
Flank steak is an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve with it:
- Roasted Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli
- Grilled Green Beans
- Smashed Potatoes
How to Store Flank Steak
You can store flank steak in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you’re going to store it in the fridge, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a sealed bag.
If you’re going to store it in the freezer, freeze it in its original packaging or place it in a sealed freezer bag.
What’s The Difference Between Flank Steak and Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak and flank steak are both cut from the beef shoulder, but they come from different shoulder parts. Flank steak is an extended, small cut of meat from the lower part of the shoulder.
Skirt steak is a shorter, thicker piece of meat that comes from the diaphragm muscle. They both produce a similar taste and feel, but flank steak is protein-rich. Skirt steak is also a bit tougher than flank steak, so it’s best to cook it for a shorter amount of time.
FAQ’s About Flank Steak
How do you cut flank steak?
Next, place the meat on a cutting board and place another cutting board or baking sheet on top of it. Then, press down firmly on the top cutting board to flatten the steak and become easier to cut.
Now, you should be able to cut the steak into pieces easily.
What does flank steak taste like?
What does flank steak go with?
What is flank steak tenderloin?
It’s another name for sirloin flap meat and looks very similar to flank steak, except it has a strip of fat running down the center. It’s a bit more tender than flank steak, but it doesn’t have as much flavor.
Can you freeze cooked flank steak?
What is a flank steak marinade?
Final Verdict
Flank steak is a high-protein, low-fat cut of beef that’s usually cooked quickly over high heat. It can be served rare to medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Flank steaks are best when marinated before cooking, but they can also be paired with bold sauces or seasoning while cooking. Flank steak can be stored in a sealed bag or plastic wrap, but it’s best to freeze cooked flank steak rather than raw.