Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Name: Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. flank steak; 2 T balsamic vinegar; 2 T fresh-squeezed juice (like lime); 1 T gluten-free Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 2 T olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

Published: June 29, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Marinade: The combination of balsamic vinegar, fresh juice, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that makes every bite memorable.
Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can start marinating your flank steak and have it ready to grill in no time.
Versatile Dish: This grilled steak pairs wonderfully with various sides or sauces, making it suitable for different meal occasions.
Perfectly Cooked: Follow the simple instructions to achieve the ideal level of doneness for your meat every time.
Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy delicious beef without worrying about carbs, making this dish great for keto or low-carb diets.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Meat thermometer
Ziploc bag
Colander
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A good grill is crucial for achieving those beautiful sear marks and smoky flavor on the steak.
Meat thermometer: This tool ensures that your flank steak reaches the perfect internal temperature for desired doneness.
Ziploc bag: It makes marinating easy and mess-free by keeping all the ingredients contained.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing your cooked steak.

Ingredients

This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak dinner uses simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a delightful meal.

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

To Season After Cooking

more salt and fresh-ground black pepper to season cooked steak

How to Make Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine the balsamic vinegar, fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Trim excess fat from the edges of the flank steak if desired. Rub both sides of the meat with your chosen steak rub. Place the flank steak in a Ziploc bag, pour in the marinade, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

When ready to cook, remove the flank steak from the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature while preheating your grill to high heat (about 450-500°F or 230-260°C).

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Place the flank steak on an angle across the grill grates. Cook for about 3 minutes until you see grill marks; then rotate it at an opposite angle and cook another 3 minutes.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Turn the steak over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C) for medium rare.

Step 6: Rest & Slice

Remove from heat and let rest covered with foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with Chimichurri Sauce or your favorite olive sauce for added flavor. Enjoy your delightful Marinated Grilled Flank Steak!

How to Serve Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and sauces. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Chimichurri Sauce

Fresh chimichurri adds a zesty kick and complements the rich flavors of the steak beautifully.

Serve with Olive Sauce

A simple olive sauce can enhance the steak’s taste while adding a Mediterranean flair.

Accompany with Grilled Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can be grilled alongside the steak for a colorful plate.

Offer a Side Salad

A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the meat.

Include Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn grilled to perfection makes for a classic summer side that delights all ages.

Complement with Quinoa Salad

A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides protein and texture, making it a wholesome addition.

How to Perfect Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Achieving the perfect Marinated Grilled Flank Steak requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your steak turns out delicious every time.

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality flank steak for better flavor and tenderness.
Marinate Longer: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking to achieve perfect grill marks and sear the meat effectively.
Let it Rest: After grilling, let the steak rest covered for 5-10 minutes; this helps retain juices.
Slice Against the Grain: Cutting against the grain ensures tender slices, enhancing overall eating quality.
Experiment with Marinades: Try different marinades using fruit juices or vinegars for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Adding side dishes can elevate your Marinated Grilled Flank Steak experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil add crunch and earthiness to your meal.
Cauliflower Rice
Light and low-carb, cauliflower rice serves as a great base for soaking up juices from the steak.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds freshness and crunch, balancing out rich flavors.
Grilled Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears lightly seasoned and grilled provide an elegant touch to your dinner table.
Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet complement to savory meats, enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
Mediterranean Couscous
Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and vegetables brings brightness and texture to your plate.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers create an appealing appetizer or side dish option that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling flank steak can be a fantastic experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your Marinated Grilled Flank Steak turns out perfectly.

Over-marinating the steak: Leaving flank steak in the marinade for too long can make it mushy. Aim for 8 to 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.
Not letting the meat rest: Skipping the resting step after grilling leads to juices running out when you cut into it. Always let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
Using high heat throughout cooking: Cooking on high heat for too long can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Start with high heat, then adjust to medium-high as needed.
Cutting against the grain: Slicing with the grain will result in chewy pieces. Always cut against the grain for tender slices.
Neglecting proper seasoning: A lack of seasoning can make your steak bland. Ensure even seasoning on both sides before marinating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover flank steak in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer bag.
It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place steak on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Use medium power settings, heating in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm, flipping halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and warm slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about preparing Marinated Grilled Flank Steak, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What is flank steak?

Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef that comes from the abdominal area of the cow. It’s known for its rich taste and is often used in grilling recipes.

How do I know when my flank steak is done?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer; aim for about 130°F (55°C) for medium rare. If you don’t have one, use the finger test method.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

While this recipe highlights flank steak, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

What should I serve with Marinated Grilled Flank Steak?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, salads, or sauces like chimichurri. Feel free to customize your sides based on your preferences!

How long should I marinate flank steak?

Marinating for at least 8 hours allows flavors to penetrate deeply. You can marinate up to 24 hours without compromising texture or taste.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Grilled Flank Steak recipe offers a delicious and versatile meal option that’s sure to impress any beef lover. With easy customization options, feel free to experiment with different marinades or side dishes. Give it a try for your next grilling occasion!

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