Flank steak is a popular cut of meat that is known for its rich and beefy flavor. It’s a lean cut of meat that is best served when cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness, making it a favorite among steak lovers. However, not everyone knows what the closest cut to flank steak is.
What Is Flank Steak?
Before we dive into discussing the closest cut to flank steak, let’s first understand what flank steak is. Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow and is a long, flat piece of meat with fibers running parallel to each other. It has a pronounced grain that makes it ideal for marinating and grilling.
Flank steak is also one of the most affordable cuts of beef available in the market. It’s often used for fajitas, stir-fries, and sandwiches.
The Closest Cut to Flank Steak
The closest cut to flank steak in terms of taste and texture is skirt steak. Skirt steak comes from the same area as flank steak and also has a pronounced grain that makes it perfect for marinating and grilling. It’s slightly thinner than flank steak but has a similar texture and flavor profile.
Skirt steak can be substituted for flank steak in most recipes without any issue. However, it’s worth noting that skirt steak tends to be more expensive than flank steak.
Other Cuts Similar to Flank Steak
Apart from skirt steak, there are other cuts of beef that are similar to flank steak in terms of texture and taste. Some of them include hanger steak, flat iron steak, and sirloin flap.
- Hanger Steak: This cut comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. It’s similar to skirt or flank steaks in texture but has a more robust flavor.
- Flat Iron Steak: This cut comes from the shoulder of the cow.
It’s a tender and flavorful cut that can be substituted for flank steak in most recipes.
- Sirloin Flap: This cut comes from the bottom sirloin area of the cow. It’s a lean cut of meat that is similar to flank steak in texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Flank steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, if you’re looking for a substitute for flank steak, skirt steak is the closest in terms of taste and texture. Other cuts like hanger steak, flat iron steak, and sirloin flap can also be used as substitutes but might have slightly different flavors.
Remember to always slice your steaks against the grain to ensure tenderness and serve them hot off the grill. Enjoy!