The question of whether flank steak should be well-done is a hotly debated topic among meat lovers. Some people prefer their steak cooked until it’s very well-done, while others prefer it to be rare or medium-rare. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways of cooking flank steak and discuss the pros and cons of each method.
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s a long, flat cut that’s known for its rich flavor and lean texture. Flank steak is often used in Mexican and Asian cuisine to make dishes like fajitas and stir-fry.
How to Cook Flank Steak
There are several ways to cook flank steak, including grilling, broiling, pan-searing, and sous-vide cooking. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Grilling
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook flank steak. To grill flank steak, you should season it with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice.
Then, preheat your grill to high heat and place the steak on the grates. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Broiling
Broiling is another great way to cook flank steak if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. To broil flank steak, you should season it with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice. Then, place it on a broiler pan and broil for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is a quick and easy way to cook flank steak on the stovetop. To pan-sear flank steak, you should season it with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice.
Then, heat up a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Sous-Vide Cooking
Sous-vide cooking is a relatively new cooking technique that involves vacuum-sealing food in a plastic bag and then cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath. To cook flank steak sous-vide, you should season it with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice. Then, vacuum-seal it in a plastic bag and cook it in a water bath at 130°F (54°C) for 2-6 hours.
Should Flank Steak Be Well-Done?
Now that we’ve discussed the different ways of cooking flank steak, let’s get back to the original question: should flank steak be well-done? The answer to this question depends on your personal preference.
If you prefer your steak well-done, then by all means, cook your flank steak until it’s well-done. However, keep in mind that cooking flank steak to well-done can make it tough and Chewy.
On the other hand, if you prefer your steak rare or medium-rare, then you should aim to cook your flank steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). This will give you a tender and juicy piece of meat with lots of flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there’s no right or wrong way to cook flank steak. It all comes down to personal preference.
Whether you like your steak well-done or rare, there are several ways to cook flank steak that will result in delicious and flavorful meat. So go ahead and experiment with different cooking methods until you find the one that works best for you.