If you’re a meat lover, you probably know that flank steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling, broiling, or stir-frying. However, what happens when you can’t find flank steak at your local butcher or grocery store?
Or perhaps it’s not within your budget? Fear not! There are several types of meat that are similar to flank steak in terms of taste, texture, and cooking methods.
Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is a cut from the diaphragm muscle and is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. It’s often used in Mexican cuisine for fajitas or carne asada. Skirt steak can be cooked quickly over high heat on the grill or stovetop and should be sliced against the grain before serving.
Flat Iron Steak: Flat iron steak comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is similar to flank steak in terms of flavor and texture. It has a marbled appearance with a strip of gristle running through the center which should be removed before cooking. Flat iron steak can be grilled, broiled or pan-seared.
Hanger Steak: Hanger steaks come from the lower belly area of the cow and are prized for their beefy flavor and tender texture. They’re also known as “butcher’s cuts” because they used to be reserved for butchers themselves due to their limited availability. Hanger steaks can be grilled or pan-seared but should be cooked to medium-rare to ensure tenderness.
Flap Meat: Flap meat comes from the bottom sirloin area of the cow and has a similar texture to flank steak. It’s also known as sirloin tip or sirloin butt flap and is often used in stews or stir-fries due to its rich flavor profile. Flap meat should be cooked quickly over high heat and sliced against the grain before serving.
When using these cuts of meat, it’s important to keep in mind that they may require different cooking times and temperatures than flank steak. It’s always a good idea to consult a recipe or cooking guide for specific instructions.
In summary, while flank steak is a delicious cut of beef, there are several other cuts that are just as tasty and versatile. Whether you choose skirt steak, flat iron steak, hanger steak or flap meat, you’re sure to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.