If you’re a meat lover, then you’ll know that flank steak is one of the juiciest and most flavorful cuts of beef out there. However, cooking it to perfection can be challenging, and one of the most common questions people have is whether they should sear it before broiling.

What is Flank Steak?

Before we dive into the question of searing flank steak before broiling, let’s first understand what flank steak is. Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow and has a distinct grainy texture. It’s leaner than other cuts of beef but has an intense beefy flavor that makes it perfect for grilling or broiling.

Why Sear Flank Steak Before Broiling?

Searing is a cooking technique that involves browning the surface of meat at high heat to create a crispy exterior. The main reason why people sear flank steak before broiling is to seal in the moisture and flavors.

When you sear a piece of meat, you create a Maillard reaction – a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates new flavor compounds and changes the color and texture of the meat. This creates a caramelized crust on the surface that seals in all the juices and flavors.

So, should you sear your flank steak before broiling? The answer is yes! Searing your flank steak will help lock in its natural juices and make it more flavorful.

How to Sear Flank Steak?

Now that we’ve established why searing flank steak before broiling is essential let’s look at how to do it correctly.

To start, make sure your flank steak is well-seasoned with salt and pepper or any other seasoning you prefer. Then heat up some oil (preferably one with high smoke point like vegetable oil) in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it starts smoking.

Once the skillet is hot, place your flank steak on it and let it cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms. Don’t move the steak around too much while it’s searing; let it cook undisturbed to get that crispy exterior.

Broiling Flank Steak

After your flank steak is seared, you can transfer it to a preheated broiler to finish cooking. Broiling is an excellent cooking method for flank steak as it cooks the meat quickly and evenly, giving you a charred exterior and a juicy interior.

To broil your flank steak, preheat your broiler for about ten minutes. Place the seared steak on a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on how well-done you like your meat.

The Bottom Line

Searing your flank steak before broiling is an essential step that should not be skipped. It helps create that crispy crust that seals in all the natural juices and flavors of the meat, making it more delicious and enjoyable.

Now that you’ve learned how to sear and broil your flank steak correctly, go ahead and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed with this flavorful cut of beef cooked to perfection.