If you’re a meat lover or a beef enthusiast, you might have come across flank steak in your culinary journey. It’s a popular cut of meat that is known for its flavor and versatility. But what exactly is flank steak, and what part of the cow does it come from?
What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a long and flat cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles or lower chest of the cow. It’s a lean cut of meat that has a distinct grainy texture and rich flavor. Flank steak is often used in various cuisines like Mexican, Chinese, and Korean as it can be cooked in various ways like grilling, broiling, or pan-frying.
What Part of the Cow Does Flank Steak Come From?
As mentioned earlier, flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles or lower chest area of the cow. More specifically, it’s cut from the underside section which is close to the cow’s hind legs.
The Anatomy of a Cow
To understand where flank steak comes from, let’s take a quick look at the anatomy of a cow.
- Chuck: This area is located near the cow’s shoulder and neck region. It contains tough cuts like chuck roast and shoulder steak.
- Rib: This section runs along the cow’s ribcage and contains cuts like prime rib and ribeye.
- Sirloin: Located at the back of the cow behind its ribs, this area contains tender cuts like sirloin steak.
- Round: This area is located at the back of the cow’s hind legs and contains tough cuts like eye round roast.
- Flank: Finally, the flank is located in the abdominal muscles or lower chest area of the cow.
How to Cook Flank Steak
Flank steak is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways. Here are some popular cooking methods:
Grilling:
Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook flank steak. It’s a quick and easy method that results in a deliciously charred and juicy steak.
To grill flank steak, preheat your grill to high heat and season the meat with your preferred seasoning. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Broiling:
Broiling is another quick and easy way to cook flank steak. To broil flank steak, preheat your broiler and place the seasoned meat on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Pan-Frying:
Pan-frying is a great option if you don’t have access to a grill or broiler. To pan-fry flank steak, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned meat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Conclusion:
Flank steak is a delicious cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles or lower chest area of the cow. It’s lean, flavorful, and versatile, making it an excellent choice for various cuisines and cooking methods. Whether you’re grilling, broiling, or pan-frying, flank steak is sure to impress your taste buds!