Marinated Flank Steak is a flavorful, tender dish that’s perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. A well-balanced marinade enhances the steak’s natural richness, making it juicy and delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or meal prep, this steak is easy to make and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and juicy: The marinade breaks down the fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Packed with flavor: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Can be grilled, pan-seared, or broiled.
- Great for meal prep: Cook once and enjoy leftovers in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flank steak
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Prepare the marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the steak
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Cook the steak
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat and grill for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over high heat, add a little oil, and sear for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Broil: Place under a broiler for 4–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway.
- Rest and slice
- Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut against the grain into thin strips for the most tender bites.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Marinating time: 2–24 hours
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 24 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Citrus marinade: Swap lemon juice for orange or lime juice for a fresh twist.
- Asian-style: Add ginger and sesame oil for an umami-packed flavor.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Herb-infused: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Teriyaki style: Use a teriyaki sauce base instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, to prevent drying out.
FAQs
How do I make flank steak more tender?
Marinate it for several hours, cook it quickly over high heat, and slice against the grain.
Can I marinate for too long?
Yes, more than 24 hours can break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes! Skirt steak, hanger steak, or flat iron steak work well with this marinade.
What’s the best way to slice flank steak?
Always slice against the grain in thin strips to maximize tenderness.
Can I cook this steak in the oven?
Yes! Broil it for 4–6 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes.
Should I pat the steak dry before cooking?
Yes, pat it dry to get a better sear and avoid excess moisture.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes! It works great for chicken, pork, or even tofu.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
What should I serve with flank steak?
Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Can I cook this steak indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet or broiler will give you great results.
Conclusion
Marinated Flank Steak is an easy, flavorful, and tender dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or broiled, this recipe ensures a juicy and delicious steak every time. Serve it with your favorite sides or slice it up for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. Enjoy!
PrintMarinated Flank Steak
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing, Broiling
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marinated Flank Steak is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The simple marinade infuses the steak with savory, slightly tangy, and smoky notes, making it perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or slice it thin for tacos and salads!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Steak:
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Steak:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
2. Cook the Steak:
-
For Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (450°F).
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F internal temp).
- Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
-
For Pan-Searing:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat with a little oil.
- Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, until desired doneness is reached.
- Let rest before slicing.
-
For Broiling:
- Preheat the oven broiler and place the steak on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Broil for 4-5 minutes per side, then let rest before slicing.
3. Slice & Serve:
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Make it extra tender: Score the steak lightly with a knife before marinating.
- For a smoky twist: Add ½ tsp liquid smoke or a pinch of chipotle powder to the marinade.
- Great for meal prep! Use leftovers in tacos, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
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