Are you a meat lover? If yes, then you must have heard about flank steak, one of the most flavorful and affordable cuts of beef.
Flank steak is known for its rich taste and tender texture, but many people struggle with how to cook it correctly. In this article, we will talk about the best way to eat flank steak and explore some scrumptious recipes that you can try at home.
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a long and flat cut taken from the abdominal muscles of a cow. It is leaner than other cuts of beef but has a stronger flavor profile. Flank steak is commonly used in Mexican cuisine for dishes like fajitas and tacos.
How to Prepare Flank Steak?
Before cooking flank steak, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, you will need to marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
A marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use any marinade recipe that suits your taste buds, but a classic one includes soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and brown sugar.
Once the marinade time is over, remove the flank steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Then let it come to room temperature before cooking.
How to Cook Flank Steak?
There are several ways to cook flank steak such as grilling, broiling or pan-searing. However, grilling is considered the best method because it adds smoky flavors and charred marks on the meat.
To grill flank steak:
– Preheat your grill on high heat. – Brush your grill grates with oil.
– Place the marinated flank steak on the grill diagonally. – Grill each side for 4-5 minutes until medium-rare. – Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
What are the Best Flank Steak Recipes?
Now that you know how to cook flank steak, let’s explore some mouth-watering recipes that you can try at home.
1. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– Salt and pepper
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 4 garlic cloves, chopped
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
– Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. – Grill the steak according to the instructions mentioned above.
– In a food processor, blend parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes. – Serve the grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce on top.
2. Flank Steak Tacos
For the taco seasoning:
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper
For the tacos:
– 1 lb flank steak
– Taco shells or tortillas
– Sliced avocadoes
– Diced tomatoes
– Chopped onions
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Season both sides of flank steak with taco seasoning. Grill or pan-sear your flank steak according to instructions mentioned above.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with avocadoes, tomatoes and onions on top.
Conclusion
Flank steak is an affordable and delicious cut of beef that can be enjoyed in many ways. With the right marinade and cooking technique, you can turn this cut into a flavorful dish. Try these recipes at home and enjoy a mouth-watering feast with your loved ones.