When it comes to cooking steak, there are a multitude of cuts to choose from. Choosing the right cut of steak can make all the difference in the taste and texture of your meal. One popular cut that is known for its delicious flavor and versatility is flank steak.

However, what happens when you can’t find flank steak or if it’s out of your budget? What cut is most similar to flank steak? In this article, we’ll explore some alternative cuts that you can use as a substitute for flank steak.

What is Flank Steak?

Before we dive into alternative cuts, let’s first understand what flank steak is. Flank steak comes from the belly muscles of the cow, near the hind legs.

It’s a long and flat cut with pronounced muscle fibers running through it. Flank steak is known for its rich beefy flavor, but it can be tough if not cooked properly.

Alternative Cuts Similar to Flank Steak

If you can’t find flank steak or if it’s outside your budget range, don’t worry! There are several alternative cuts that have similar characteristics to flank steak.

Skirt Steak

One of the most similar cuts to flank steak is skirt steak. Skirt steaks come from the diaphragm muscles near the cow’s ribcage.

Like flank steaks, skirt steaks have pronounced muscle fibers running through them and are known for their rich beefy flavor. They’re also more tender than flank steaks and cook faster.

Hanger Steak

Hanger steaks come from the cow’s diaphragm as well. They’re located near the kidneys and have a triangular shape with a prominent line of gristle running through them. Hanger steaks are tender and flavorful with a slightly sweet taste.

Flat Iron Steak

Flat iron steaks come from the cow’s shoulder area and are a relatively new cut of steak. They’re also known as top blade steaks and have a similar texture to flank steaks. Flat iron steaks are tender, juicy, and have a beefy flavor.

Conclusion

Flank steak is a popular cut of steak known for its rich beefy flavor. However, if you can’t find it or if it’s too expensive, there are several alternative cuts that you can use as a substitute.

Skirt steak, hanger steak, and flat iron steak are all great options that have similar characteristics to flank steak. No matter which cut you choose, make sure to properly season and cook it for the best results!