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The Ultimate Tender Flank Steak with Three Flavorful Marinades

Close-up of perfectly cooked, medium-rare flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain on a white plate.
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Prepare flank steak that is both flavorful and tender using one of three distinct marinades: Classic Garlic Herb, Zesty Chili Lime, or Sweet Balsamic Glaze. This recipe provides the best marinade for grilling flank steak, ensuring juicy results for your next easy beef dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb flank steak
  • For Classic Garlic Herb Marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Zesty Chili Lime Marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • For Sweet Balsamic Glaze Marinade: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Choose your desired marinade. Combine all ingredients for the chosen marinade in a bowl or zip-top bag.
  2. Place the flank steak into the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated.
  3. Refrigerate the steak for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours, to tenderize the meat. This step is key for juicy flank steak.
  4. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Discard the excess marinade.
  5. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F) or heat a heavy skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface.
  6. Grill or sear the flank steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare.
  7. Remove the steak from the heat and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for retaining juices.
  8. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This technique helps achieve the most tender texture.
  9. Serve immediately. These preparations are great for flank steak for tacos or as a main entree.

Notes

  • For the best results when grilling flank steak, make sure your grill grates are clean and hot before placing the steak down.
  • If you are using the Balsamic Glaze marinade, reserve 2 tablespoons of the unused marinade before adding the raw steak, and briefly simmer it in a small saucepan for 3 minutes to create a safe, thick glaze for drizzling after slicing.
  • Slicing against the grain is the secret to tender flank steak; look for the direction the muscle fibers run and cut perpendicular to them.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/flank-steak-3-flavorful-marinades-tender-recipe/