Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the lower abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s a popular choice for grilling and is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly. However, some people may shy away from cooking flank steak because they believe it’s hard to cut.
There’s no denying that flank steak can be a bit challenging to slice, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make the process much easier. Let’s take a closer look at why flank steak can be difficult to cut and how you can overcome this challenge.
Why is Flank Steak Hard to Cut?
The main reason why flank steak is difficult to cut is because of its muscle fibers. Flank steak comes from a part of the cow that gets a lot of exercise, which means that the muscle fibers are tough and dense. This can make it challenging to slice through the meat without it shredding or falling apart.
Another factor that contributes to the difficulty of cutting flank steak is its grain. The grain refers to the direction that the muscle fibers run in the meat. Flank steak has long, thin muscle fibers that run parallel to each other, which makes it easy for them to become tangled or knotted when sliced against the grain.
How to Cut Flank Steak
Despite these challenges, cutting flank steak doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Here are some tips and tricks for getting perfectly sliced pieces every time:
1. Use a sharp knife: A dull knife will only make things harder when it comes to cutting flank steak. Make sure your knife is sharpened before you start slicing.
2. Slice against the grain: As mentioned earlier, slicing against the grain will help prevent your meat from becoming tangled or tough. Look for the lines in your meat and slice perpendicular to them.
3. Cut thin slices: The thinner your slices are, the easier they will be to cut. This is especially important when it comes to flank steak, which has a tendency to shred if it’s sliced too thickly.
4. Use a slicing motion: Instead of sawing back and forth with your knife, use a smooth slicing motion to cut through the meat. This will help prevent the fibers from becoming tangled or shredded.
Conclusion
Flank steak can be a bit challenging to cut, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily overcome this obstacle. Remember to use a sharp knife, slice against the grain, cut thin slices, and use a smooth slicing motion for best results. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly sliced flank steak every time you cook it.