Flank steak is a cheaper cut of beef that is packed with flavor. It’s a long, flat piece of meat that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow.
But, cutting up a flank steak can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. In this article, we’ll show you how to properly cut up a flank steak.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s go over what tools you’ll need to cut up a flank steak:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our tools ready, let’s begin with the step-by-step guide on how to cut up a flank steak:
Step 1: Remove the Silver Skin
When you look at your flank steak, you may notice a layer of silver skin on one side. This is a tough layer that won’t break down when cooked and should be removed. To remove it, take your sharp knife and slide it under the silver skin at one end of the steak.
Note: Be sure to hold onto the silver skin with your other hand or use tongs to prevent it from slipping.
Once you have lifted the silver skin with your knife, gently pull it away from the meat while cutting along its length. Repeat this process until all of the silver skin has been removed.
Step 2: Identify the Grain
Next, locate the grain of the meat. The grain refers to the direction in which muscle fibers run through the meat. You want to identify this because cutting against or across it will result in tougher pieces of meat.
To find it, look for lines or striations running along one side of your flank steak. These lines indicate the direction of the grain.
Step 3: Cut Against the Grain
With your knife, make long, thin slices against the grain of the meat. This will help break up the muscle fibers and make for a more tender piece of meat.
Note: It’s important to use a sharp knife and to avoid sawing back and forth as this can shred the meat.
Step 4: Slice into Bite-Size Pieces
Once you have cut your flank steak against the grain, it’s time to slice it into bite-size pieces. You can do this by cutting perpendicular to your previous cuts.
The Bottom Line
Cutting up a flank steak may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, it can be done easily. Remember to remove the silver skin, identify the grain of the meat, cut against it, and slice into bite-size pieces. By following these steps, you’ll end up with tender and flavorful pieces of meat that are perfect for any dish!