The best Juicy Flank Steak recipe
When it comes to summer grilling, few dishes match the sheer appeal of a perfectly cooked flank steak. This Juicy Flank Steak recipe delivers bold flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any meal.
The vibrant marinade, featuring zesty citrus juices, savory Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sweetness, enhances every bite with a dynamic balance of flavors. Paired with a smoky char from the grill, it’s a carnivore’s dream.
Whether served with a crisp side salad or sliced into tacos, this versatile dish shines. It’s easy to prepare yet brimming with gourmet flair, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Juicy Flank Steak Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
- Flank Steak: The star of the dish, this lean yet tender cut absorbs the marinade beautifully, delivering a succulent bite with every slice.
- Citrus Juices (Lime & Orange): These zesty notes provide a vibrant tang, balancing richness with a refreshing twist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A savory enhancer that deepens the meat’s natural flavors with a touch of umami magic.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten and tenderize the steak, ensuring every bite is irresistibly juicy.
- Garlic: A subtle yet bold flavor booster that weaves its aromatic essence through the entire dish.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Juicy Flank Steak
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Let your steak marinate for at least 2 hours, but if time permits, aim for 24 hours. The longer the steak soaks in the vibrant citrus and Worcestershire marinade, the more deeply infused the flavors will be, making each bite a flavorful delight. - Grill to Your Desired Doneness
Preheat the grill to a high temperature to achieve those irresistible sear marks. For medium-rare perfection, grill each side for 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Rest the steak for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices. - Slice Against the Grain
To achieve tender slices, always cut the flank steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and ensures every bite is easy to chew and packed with flavor.
What to Serve with Juicy Flank Steak
- Grilled Vegetables
Pair this steak with smoky grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The charred flavors complement the steak’s juicy, citrusy notes for a well-rounded meal. - Fresh Side Salad
A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and a contrasting texture to your plate. - Warm Cornbread or Garlic Bread
Serve warm cornbread or buttery garlic bread alongside to soak up the steak’s flavorful juices and BBQ sauce. These comforting carbs balance the dish beautifully.
FAQ for Juicy Flank Steak
1. Can I cook the steak without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on high heat. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain its juicy texture.
3. Can I substitute the marinade ingredients?
Yes! Lemon juice can replace lime, and balsamic vinegar works instead of red wine vinegar. Customize the marinade to suit your taste.
4. How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for precision. Medium-rare is 130°F, while medium is 140°F. For well-done, aim for 160°F. Rest the steak for a few minutes before serving.
Juicy Flank Steak
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of flank steak sliced into thin fillets
- ⅓ cup of olive oil or a suitable substitute
- Juice from 4 limes approximately ¼ cup
- Juice from 1 orange approximately ⅓ cup
- ¼ cup of red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar optional
- BBQ sauce optional
Instructions
- Place the prepared flank steak fillets into a large resealable plastic bag.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and brown sugar, if desired. Stir until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the marinade over the flank steak in the bag. Seal the bag securely and shake gently to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for optimal flavor.
- Heat your grill to a very high temperature.
- Remove the marinated steak from the bag using tongs, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Lay the steak on the grill and brush lightly with BBQ sauce, if preferred.
- Cook the steak for 5 to 10 minutes on one side, then flip it over and brush the other side with BBQ sauce. Grill for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. For rarer meat, limit grilling to 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Check the doneness of the steak, and if necessary, grill for a few extra minutes to achieve the desired level.
- Remove the steak from the grill and apply another layer of BBQ sauce if desired. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the steak with your choice of accompaniments, or slice it into strips to use in tacos.
