If you’re planning on making tacos with flank steak, you may be wondering how to cut it properly. Flank steak is a flavorful and affordable cut of beef that works great in tacos.

But it can be a bit tricky to cut due to its unique shape and texture. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to cut a flank steak for tacos step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary tools and ingredients:

  • Flank steak
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Seasonings (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything, let’s start cutting!

Step 1: Trim the Flank Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the flank steak. This will make it easier to handle and cook evenly. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any unwanted bits.

Step 2: Identify the Grain of the Meat

The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. It’s important to identify the grain before cutting so that you can slice against it for maximum tenderness.

To find the grain, look for long lines running through the meat. These lines indicate the direction of the muscle fibers.

Step 3: Slice Against the Grain

Once you’ve identified the grain, use a sharp knife to slice against it. This means cutting perpendicular to the long lines in the meat.

Cutting against the grain breaks up these muscle fibers, resulting in more tender meat that’s easier to chew.

Step 4: Cut into Strips or Cubes

After you’ve sliced the meat against the grain, you can either cut it into strips or cubes. This depends on your preference and the recipe you’re following.

To cut into strips, simply slice the meat into long, thin pieces. To cut into cubes, slice the meat into strips and then cut across them to create bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Season and Cook

Now that your flank steak is cut, it’s time to season and cook it. You can marinate the meat in your favorite seasonings for a few hours before cooking or season it right before cooking.

When cooking flank steak for tacos, it’s best to use high heat and cook it quickly. You can grill, broil, or pan-sear the meat until it’s browned on both sides but still slightly pink in the center.

Conclusion

Cutting a flank steak for tacos may seem daunting at first, but with these simple steps, you’ll be able to do it like a pro. Remember to trim any excess fat, identify the grain of the meat, slice against the grain, and cut into strips or cubes. With these tips in mind, you’ll have perfectly tender and flavorful flank steak for your next taco night!