If you’re planning to make fajitas for your next meal, you might be wondering how much flank steak you need. Flank steak is a popular choice for fajitas because of its robust flavor and tender texture.

But how many pounds of flank steak do you need to make enough fajitas for your family or guests? Let’s find out.

What is Flank Steak?

Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s long and flat, with a pronounced grain that makes it perfect for slicing against the grain to achieve maximum tenderness. Flank steak is also known for its rich, beefy flavor, which makes it a favorite among meat lovers.

How Much Flank Steak Do You Need?

The amount of flank steak you need depends on several factors, including the number of people you’re serving, their appetite, and whether you’re serving other dishes alongside the fajitas. As a general rule of thumb, plan on using about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of flank steak per person.

  • If you’re serving four people: 2 pounds (32 ounces) of flank steak
  • If you’re serving six people: 3 pounds (48 ounces) of flank steak
  • If you’re serving eight people: 4 pounds (64 ounces) of flank steak
  • If you’re serving ten people: 5 pounds (80 ounces) of flank steak

Of course, these are just rough estimates. If your guests have hearty appetites or if fajitas are the main course rather than a side dish, consider adding more flank steak to ensure everyone is well-fed.

Preparing Flank Steak for Fajitas

Once you’ve determined how much flank steak you need, it’s time to prepare it for the fajitas. Here are some tips to get you started:

Marinate the Flank Steak

Marinating flank steak is a great way to infuse it with flavor and make it more tender. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Marinate the flank steak for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight.

Grill or Sear the Flank Steak

Grilling or searing the flank steak is the best way to cook it for fajitas. Heat up your grill or a cast-iron skillet over high heat and cook the flank steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on its thickness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.

Serve with Fajita Fixings

Finally, assemble your fajitas by serving the cooked flank steak with warm tortillas and a variety of toppings such as sautéed onions and peppers, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

Flank steak is an excellent choice for making fajitas because of its robust flavor and tender texture. When planning your next fajita feast, remember to use about 1/2 pound of flank steak per person as a general rule of thumb. Don’t forget to marinate and grill/sear your flank steak before serving it alongside your favorite fajita fixings.