Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is a fantastic dish that brings out the rich flavors of beef. It’s perfect for family dinners, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a delicious, low-carb meal. The marinade enhances the natural taste of the flank steak while keeping it tender and juicy. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The marinade combines balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with sides like grilled vegetables or sauces to customize your meal.
• Healthy Choice: Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish fits well into many dietary plans.
• Impressive Presentation: Perfectly grilled slices make for an attractive dish that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bag
• Colander
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures perfect cooking and those beautiful grill marks that enhance presentation.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: This tool helps you achieve precise doneness, ensuring your flank steak is cooked just right.

Ingredients

This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak dinner is a low-carb meal that will please any beef lover.

For the Steak

• 1 1/2 lbs. flank steak (see notes)
• 1-2 T Steak Rub (see notes)

For the Marinade

• 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 2 T fresh-squeezed juice (see notes)
• 1 T Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 T olive oil

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl:
* In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Flank Steak

Trim and season:
* If necessary, trim excess fat from the edges of the flank steak or make small slits in fatty areas.
* Generously rub both sides of the steak with your chosen steak rub.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak

Let it soak up flavor:
* Place the seasoned steak in a Ziploc bag.
* Pour the marinade over the meat and seal the bag tightly.
* Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight is best).

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

Get ready to cook:
* Remove the steak from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature.
* Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F).

Step 5: Grill the Steak

Cook to perfection:
* Place the steak on the grill at an angle for nice grill marks. Adjust heat if necessary.
* Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until grill marks appear; then rotate and cook another 3 minutes at a different angle.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Check doneness:
* Flip the steak over and cook for another 4-5 minutes until an internal temperature of 130°F is reached for medium-rare.

Step 7: Rest Before Slicing

Enhance juiciness:
* Once cooked to desired doneness, remove from grill and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Enjoy your creation:
* Using a serrated knife or chef’s knife, slice thinly against the grain.
* Serve hot with garnishes like chopped parsley or alongside sauces like Chimichurri.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Marinated Grilled Flank Steak that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and sauces. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a creamy dressing that complements the beef’s richness.
• Greek Salad: This refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese offers a great contrast in flavors.
• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery bite that enhances the steak.

Accompany with Sauces

• Chimichurri Sauce: This zesty Argentine sauce made from parsley, garlic, and olive oil brings a burst of flavor to the steak.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce can add a different dimension, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
• Horseradish Cream: A dollop of horseradish cream adds a spicy kick that works beautifully with grilled meats.

Serve on Tacos or Wraps

• Flank Steak Tacos: Slice the steak thinly and serve it in corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and onions for a tasty taco night.
• Steak Wraps: Roll up flank steak slices in tortillas with your favorite veggies for an easy-to-eat wrap.

How to Perfect Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Achieving the perfect Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is all about preparation and technique. Consider these tips for best results.

• Bold Marinade: Let the steak marinate for at least 8 hours to infuse maximum flavor. Overnight is ideal!
• Room Temperature: Allow the steak to come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
• High Heat Grill: Start with a high grill temperature to achieve those beautiful sear marks while locking in juices.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer for precise cooking; aim for 130F/55C for medium-rare.
• Resting Time: Let the cooked steak rest covered for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
• Cut Against the Grain: Always slice flank steak against the grain to ensure tender bites.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

To complement your Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair well with rich flavors.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make a colorful, healthy side option when grilled.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisped Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and seasoning offer both texture and taste.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the savory taste of the steak perfectly.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection is always a crowd-pleaser during summer barbecues.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and herbs provides nutrition without overwhelming the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for marinating can lead to bland steak. Aim for at least 8 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

• Using High Heat Without Preheating: Cooking the steak on a grill that isn’t preheated can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to achieve those perfect grill marks.

• Cutting Against the Grain Incorrectly: Slicing the meat against the grain is essential for tenderness. Take care to identify the direction of the grain and cut diagonally.

• Neglecting to Let It Rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after grilling can cause juices to escape. Always let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking beyond medium rare can dry out flank steak. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.

• Ignoring Seasoning After Cooking: Failing to season after grilling can result in a less flavorful steak. Always adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Marinated Grilled Flank Steak in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it is cooled down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

• Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place steak on a baking sheet covered with foil and heat until warmed through.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on low power in short intervals until warmed.

• Stovetop: Slice steak and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?

Yes, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin, but cooking times may vary based on thickness.

How do I know when my flank steak is done?

For medium rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!

What should I serve with Marinated Grilled Flank Steak?

This dish pairs well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or chimichurri sauce for added flavor.

Can I marinate the flank steak overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more, making your steak even tastier.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though balsamic adds a unique sweetness that enhances the marinade’s complexity.

Final Thoughts

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is an easy yet impressive meal that highlights beef’s rich flavors. This recipe offers versatility; feel free to customize your marinade with different spices or citrus juices. Try it today and enjoy a delicious dinner that everyone will love!