Flank steak is a culinary delight hailing from the cow’s belly muscles. This delectable cut yields exceptional results in terms of juiciness and flavor when prepared with tender flank steak recipes. Similar to skirt steak, flank steak is characterized by its lean and long profile, boasting a rich, beefy taste that tantalizes the palate.
Its versatility allows for a wide range of dishes with a savory flair, from sizzling fajitas and stir-fries to refreshing salads and satisfying sandwiches. For grilling enthusiasts, flank steak is a dream come true! The meat’s quick cooking time and ability to absorb marinades make it an excellent canvas for creating mouthwatering recipes.
To ensure maximum tenderness, remember to slice against the grain after grilling. With its affordability and adaptability, this cut of beef offers endless possibilities for a memorable steak dinner. Try slow-cooking or flash-frying your way through forty-one delectable ways to enjoy flank steak and savor every bite.
Best Flank Steak Recipes
Kick-starting our culinary journey with a bang, we’re highlighting the crème de la crème of flank steak recipes. These mouthwatering creations showcase the versatility of this budget-friendly cut, expertly marrying rich flavors with tender, succulent texture.
Bavette Steak
When it comes to cooking flank steak, Bavette steak – also affectionately referred to as ‘broiled garlic flank steak’ – stands out as an excellent example of how to achieve tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. By broiling the cut, the outside remains juicy while a crispy sear forms, adding depth to each bite. The addition of plenty of aromatic garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper takes this weeknight staple to new heights, making it a cinch to prepare for even the most hectic of evenings.
Carne Asada Quesadillas
Flank steak serves as the ultimate canvas for a mouthwatering carne asada quesadilla. Its lean profile and robust flavor make it an ideal choice for slow-cooked, spice-kissed perfection. When marinated in aromatics and braised to tender succulence, flank steak becomes the star of the show.
Elevate your quesadillas by filling them with this sumptuous steak, followed by a generous sprinkling of melted cheese and fresh cilantro. The crowning touch? A perfectly toasted grill that seals in the flavors. This straightforward recipe is a bonus when you’re working with leftover flank steak, too!
Flank Steak Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Flank steak’s lean nature makes it an excellent addition to salads, where its subtle flavor can shine. To elevate the dish further, I’ve paired it with a rich balsamic dressing that balances sweetness and tanginess, allowing the beef’s natural heartiness to take center stage. As you envision this succulent meat as the focal point of your meal, you’ll discover a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, all tied together by the freshness of seasonal ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner on a warm summer evening, when the thought of cooking up something elaborate might be too much to bear.
Carne Asada Tacos
When quesadillas don’t tickle your fancy, tacos are always a delicious alternative. Inspired by authentic Mexican street food, these soft tacos boast vibrant flavors and textures, featuring a zesty corn salsa and crunchy, rough-chopped vegetables that add depth to each bite. This recipe is an ideal solution for a busy weeknight dinner, as everyone can customize their own taco to suit their tastes. For an added bonus, I highly recommend pairing this dish with my go-to flank steak marinade recipe – it’s the perfect match for these tender cuts of beef.
Spice-Crusted Grilled Flank Steak
Achieving a perfectly cooked flank steak requires a delicate balance between flavor and juiciness. By applying a thick crust of spices, you not only add an external layer of flavor but also seal in all the juices within. This combination creates an ideal environment for tender, succulent meat that’s sure to impress. No longer will you be stuck with overcooked or dry steak – this simple trick ensures a mouthwatering result every time. To take your cooking skills to the next level, try pairing this technique with our other quick and easy recipe ideas designed specifically for busy weeknights.
Easy Steak Bowl
Starting the week off right requires nothing more than a simple yet satisfying steak bowl. The combination of tender medium-rare flank steak, fluffy white rice, and fresh corn salsa is the perfect way to kick things off. What’s even better is that this meal can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy households. With its lean protein content, the flank steak adds a healthy twist to this classic dish, ensuring everyone gets a nutritious start to their day.
Skillet Flank Steak with Garlic Butter
Savoring the perfect flank steak requires a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. One key component is the butter and garlic combination, which forms an impeccable crust on the outside while leaving the inside succulently medium rare. This delectable dish can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or paired with a variety of vegetable side dishes to create a satisfying full meal. To elevate this tender meat to new heights, explore these top-notch steak toppings that will surely impress.
Smoked Flank Steak
When cooking flank steak on a Traeger grill, consider investing the time and effort into smoking it to unlock its full potential. The result is a richly flavored, fragrant, and woodsy-tasting dish that’s sure to impress. Not only does smoking enhance the natural flavors of the meat, but it also ensures even cooking throughout, resulting in a tender and juicy finish. For those looking to put their new grill to the test, this recipe is an excellent place to start.
Chimichurri Steak
Steak with chimichurri sauce exists in a culinary sweet spot, where warm weather and cool seasons meet. The vibrant, herb-forward condiment takes center stage, infusing the entire dish with its bright, zesty flavors and transporting it to a sunny summer day. Meanwhile, the steak itself is a straightforward, seared affair that serves as an ideal backdrop for the bold, herbaceous sauce, allowing each component to shine in perfect harmony.
Sundried Tomato Rosemary Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
When cooking flank steak, one of the most effective ways to achieve a tender and soft texture is by marinating it beforehand. One such marinade that’s surprisingly easy to prepare is a rosemary and balsamic combination. Not only does this marinade require minimal effort, but it also lends a flavorful dimension to the dish. To take your meal to the next level, consider serving the steak with roasted potatoes or crispy fried greens. This comfort food combination is sure to warm hearts on a chilly evening spent with loved ones.
Mexican Shredded Beef Salad
Flank steak may not be as marbled as other cuts, but it’s still a top contender when it comes to making tender and flaky shredded beef. When cooked to perfection, it’s the perfect base for this Mexican-inspired salad. With only an hour of cooking time, this dish is ideal for meal prep, lunches, and dinners – enjoy it whenever you like.
Flank Steak Sliders
When it comes to feeding a crowd at a party, stress levels can soar – and so can expenses. However, with this recipe for grilled flank steak sliders, you’ll be able to provide your guests with tender, juicy bites that are bursting with flavor without breaking the bank or sacrificing your sanity. And the best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up to accommodate any size gathering.
Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
When the week is winding down and you’re craving a comforting roast dinner without the time commitment, a flank steak is an excellent solution. This lean cut of meat cooks swiftly, yet retains the rich flavor profile reminiscent of a slow-cooked roast. To elevate this quick fix, pair it with your beloved sides, transforming a humble weeknight meal into a satisfying Sunday-style roast experience.
Grilled Flank Steak Sandwiches
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic steak sandwich, if you haven’t already. This effortless recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd without sacrificing precious time to culinary pursuits. While reminiscent of Philly cheese steak sandwiches, this variation boasts a distinct twist that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Flank Steak Tacos
For many, Mexican cuisine is synonymous with effortless indulgence. One dish that embodies this philosophy is marinated flank steak – a straightforward yet satisfying solution for a draining day. The unassuming combination of bold flavors and uncomplicated methods makes it an unbeatable choice.
To elevate the experience, serve the steak alongside your family’s favorite taco toppings, allowing everyone to construct their own perfect tacos. This interactive approach turns mealtime into a collaborative celebration.
Carne Asada
This carne asada recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to discover your unique signature style. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, sandwiches, or simply enjoying it on its own with a fresh side salad, this recipe provides the foundation for endless culinary possibilities.
Flank Steak Fajitas
When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, I’m a big fan of fajitas. One of the reasons they’re so appealing is that they’re incredibly simple to prepare, and cleanup is a breeze. What really sets great fajitas apart, however, is an exceptional marinade. This recipe definitely fits the bill, with a blend of fragrant spices, a splash of red wine vinegar, and just the right balance of warm, robust flavors and tangy acidity. It’s perfect for a summer evening when you want to cook up something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Steak Fajita Bowl
A flavorful steak fajita bowl is an impressive culinary creation. The harmonious blend of seasoned rice, tangy pickled vegetables, and vibrant fresh salsa sets the stage for the star of the show: tender, marinated flank steak. This delectable dish can be served individually in separate bowls or collectively from a large serving bowl, ensuring that everyone gets to experience its exceptional taste and presentation.
Balsamic Steak Salad
What may initially seem like an unconventional pairing – balsamic vinegar, steak, and strawberries – surprisingly yields a harmonious and tantalizing salad that will leave your taste buds singing. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility, allowing you to utilize whatever greens you have on hand to create the perfect bowl. This recipe’s adaptability is truly a culinary gem.
Grilled Flank Steak Salad
When it comes to delectable salads, I’m thrilled to share another innovative take on a flank steak salad that harnesses the best of summer’s bounty. The true star of the show, however, is the homemade chimichurri sauce – its vibrant essence elevates not only the tender steak but also the freshness of the accompanying vegetables, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Southwest Skillet Steak
This camping-inspired recipe requires minimal effort and equipment, making it perfect for a quick and easy dinner solution. With just a skillet and heat source, you can prepare this meal in no time. The real star of the show is the Southwest seasoning, which brings the dish to life. For an added layer of flavor, try cooking the steak over an open flame or grill to achieve that signature char.
Blackstone Flank Steak
The origins of this steak lie in its cooking vessel – the iconic Blackstone grill. Renowned for its exceptional heat distribution, this grill enables a flawless cook, perfect for achieving the ideal doneness on a flank steak. Moreover, with a Blackstone, you can simultaneously prepare your vegetable accompaniments, allowing the various flavors to harmonize and enhance one another.
Air Fryer Flank Steak
Cooking steaks in an air fryer may seem unconventional, but the results are nothing short of remarkable. By leveraging this versatile kitchen appliance, you can achieve a consistently cooked medium rare steak with ease. The outcome is a beautifully seared exterior that yields to a tender and juicy interior – perfect for savoring on its own or slicing up to add to your favorite salads.
Guatemalan Shredded Beef Stew
In Guatemala, ‘hilachas’ is a beloved term that evokes warmth and nostalgia – it’s a hearty shredded beef stew that wraps you in comfort. The dish typically features a flavorful tomato sauce infused with subtle spices, alongside tender chunks of potatoes and slow-cooked steak. This mouthwatering concoction embodies the essence of comforting cuisine.
The secret to achieving this tender delight lies in cooking low and slow, allowing the beef to luxuriate in its juices and ultimately fall apart at the touch. As the dish simmers away, the flavors meld together, creating a rich tapestry that will leave you craving more.
Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
A game-changing condiment can elevate a dish from pleasant to phenomenal. In this case, a blue cheese dressing infused with garlic butter is that magic ingredient! This salad comes together in under twenty minutes, provided you’ve taken the time to marinate the steak for a couple of hours beforehand.
Lebanese Beef Shawarma
As we embark on our culinary journey, we venture to Lebanon for inspiration, where the aromatic essence of Middle Eastern spices takes center stage. The resulting shawarma is an explosion of flavor that transcends ordinary fare. To elevate this dish to new heights, complement it with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce, allowing each component to harmonize in perfect culinary symphony.
Whole30 Carne Asada Bowls
Carne asada’s versatility shines when paired with an assortment of flavors in a bowl. The combination of charred peppers, earthy mushrooms, and the subtle warmth of coriander-infused rice elevates this weeknight staple to new heights. Not only is this Whole30-friendly recipe a flavorful treat, but it also packs a punch and requires minimal effort to prepare. Moreover, its meal prep potential makes it an ideal solution for busy evenings.
Flank Steak Nachos
Imagine being surprised by just how incredible nachos can be when you least expect it. That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon this recipe for flank steak nachos, which are an explosion of flavors and spices. These mouthwatering treats are perfect for sharing with friends over a pitcher of margaritas, accompanied by fresh pico de gallo and generous helpings of creamy guacamole.
Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites
Looking for a quick, easy, and mouthwatering snack? Garlic steak bites deliver in spades! The simplicity of cooking these bite-sized morsels belies their profound impact on taste buds. It’s all thanks to the potent garlic marinade, which tenderizes the meat while imbuing each morsel with an undeniable depth of flavor.
Steak Salad with Devilled Eggs
Transform your steak salad into an indulgent experience by pairing it with deviled eggs that exude opulence. Your family will be vying for every bite of these creamy, savory treats. The harmonious union of fresh avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a rich dressing will redefine the notion that salads are only mundane affairs.
Stuffed Flank Steak Recipes
Steak aficionados may not be familiar with stuffed flank steak, but this cooking technique is a game-changer. The process of stuffing the meat requires a delicate balance between the added ingredients and the resulting thinner profile. To avoid overcooking, it’s crucial to monitor the steak’s internal temperature closely. Fortunately, the infusion of flavors from the stuffing helps compensate for the increased surface area, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final product.
Beef Wellington Braciole
While traditional braciole is an Italian staple, this recipe fuses its stuffed steak concept with the essence of beef Wellington, combining tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and flaky pastry. By merging these two international flavors, you’ll create a unique dish that’s truly worth the effort.
Flank Steak Pinwheels
Get ready to fire up your grill and elevate your beef-eating game! Pinwheels made with tender flank steak and packed with an array of Italian-inspired fillings are a game-changing twist on traditional grilled meats. By incorporating affordable yet flavorful ingredients, these pinwheels demonstrate that sometimes the most impressive dishes can be created with humble beginnings.
Slow Cooker Flank Steak Recipes
When it comes to cooking steak, slow cooking is often overlooked, but it’s a game-changer for bringing out the tender, fall-apart texture that many people love. Flank steak, in particular, benefits greatly from this low-and-slow approach, as its lean nature means it can become dry if not cooked with care. By slow cooking your flank steak, you can ensure that it stays juicy and packed with flavor.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Indulge in the bold flavors of Mongolia with this slow-cooker Mongolian beef recipe, perfect for a cozy night in on a cold evening. The tender flank steak becomes incredibly palatable as it soaks up the rich and savory gravy, resulting from its lengthy cooking time. This hearty dish is elevated to new heights when served over a bed of fluffy white rice, offering a comforting culinary experience like no other.
Slow Cooker Beef Braciole
When it comes to braciole, many people associate it with long hours spent in the oven – perfect for cozy winter nights. However, that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits during the warmer months. In fact, your slow cooker can be a great substitute, allowing you to enjoy this hearty dish without heating up your kitchen. This slow-cooked braciole is essentially ‘braciole on easy mode’, offering all the flavor and satisfaction of its oven-roasted counterpart with minimal effort required. And if you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner recipe for a special occasion, this one’s sure to impress!
Asian Flank Steak Recipes
When it comes to cooking Asian-inspired dishes, flank steak is an ideal protein choice. Its slender profile allows for rapid cooking times, while its porous nature makes it highly receptive to the incorporation of flavors and sauces. Moreover, its versatility ensures a seamless pairing with staple ingredients like rice, noodles, or soups.
Asian Flank Steak Marinade
Elevate your flank steak’s tenderness and flavor with a simple yet effective marinating process. A common characteristic of many Asian-inspired marinades is the inclusion of an acidic component that breaks down the meat from within, resulting in a remarkably tender final product. This steak marinade stands out for its ability to infuse robust flavors in a surprisingly short timeframe – just ten minutes after preparation, your steak will be ready to devour.
Thai Flank Steak Kebobs
When it comes to finding culinary inspiration, Thai cuisine is an excellent place to start. Its recipes often feature a medley of aromatic components, which provide a rich foundation for creative experimentation. In this particular recipe, the addition of peanut butter brings a delightful nutty flavor that harmoniously complements the other fragrant elements. The tender steak perfectly absorbs these flavors, elevating the dish to a truly scrumptious level.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
While it’s tempting to give in to the convenience of takeout, resist the urge and try making your own beef and broccoli at home instead. With just a little effort, you can create a dish that rivals even the best Chinese restaurants. The key is a simple yet flavorful marinade that keeps the meat moist and tender for days to come. This meal prep recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly durable, allowing you to enjoy it for several days without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Instant Pot Pepper Steak
With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, pepper steak is a Chinese-inspired recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender flank steak, crunchy bell peppers, and rich pepper sauce creates a well-rounded meal perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. What’s more, using an Instant Pot takes all the hard work out of cooking, making it a breeze to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Korean Steak and Noodle Lettuce Cups
I have a special affinity for lettuce cups – not only do they deliver impressive health benefits, but they also tantalize my taste buds. In many ways, it seems we’ve found the perfect harmony between flavor and nutrition.
What I love most about these cups is how effortlessly they can be prepared. It’s as if we’re getting away with something! The end result is a deliciously healthy snack that’s surprisingly straightforward to create.
Thai Flank Steak Salad
Transform a classic salad into an unforgettable culinary experience by harmonizing the aromatic flavors of Thailand with the freshness of summer vegetables and the tenderness of expertly cooked steak. This refreshing creation is perfect for serving on a sweltering day, whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to a satisfying meal.
To elevate this dish from a light lunch to a filling dinner, introduce cold rice noodles to the mix, adding heft and substance without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
Instant Pot Beef Stir Fry
In the realm of home cooking, stir-fries are an indispensable staple, providing a reliable solution for whipping up a weeknight dinner without breaking into a sweat. This Instant Pot beef stir-fry excels at maintaining the tender juiciness of steak while preserving the satisfying crunch of vegetables, striking the ideal harmony between flavors and textures that defines a truly exceptional stir-fry experience. With its lightning-fast preparation time and mouthwatering taste, this recipe is an unbeatable combination of convenience and culinary delight.
