Cooking a flank steak on the grill can be a delicious and savory experience. However, achieving the perfect temperature is essential to ensure that your steak is juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. In this article, we will explore what temperature you should cook your flank steak on the grill and provide some tips to make it irresistible.
What is Flank Steak?
Before we dive into cooking temperatures, let’s first understand what flank steak is. Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of a cow and is a lean cut of meat with long muscle fibers.
It has a distinct grainy texture and rich beefy flavor. Due to its toughness, flank steak requires proper cooking techniques and careful attention to achieve its optimal taste.
How to Prepare Flank Steak for Grilling
To prepare your flank steak for grilling, start by trimming off any visible fat or silver skin from the surface. Then, score the meat diagonally across the grain with shallow cuts on both sides. This will help tenderize the meat and allow marinades or seasoning to penetrate better.
Next, season your flank steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder or any other preferred seasoning mix. You can also marinate it overnight in your favorite marinade recipe for added flavor.
What Temperature Should You Cook Flank Steak on the Grill?
The ideal temperature range for cooking flank steak on the grill is between 130°F (54°C) to 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness. For medium done, cook it at 140°F (60°C) to 145°F (63°C), and well-done at 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (74°C). Avoid going beyond these temperatures as it will result in dry and tough meat.
Tips for Grilling Flank Steak
- Preheat your grill to high heat before placing your flank steak on it.
- For even cooking, ensure the thickness of the meat is uniform throughout.
- Do not flip or move the steak too often as it can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak frequently for doneness.
- Let your flank steak rest for at least five minutes after removing it from the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
In Conclusion
Cooking a flank steak on the grill can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember to prepare it properly, season it generously, and cook it at the right temperature range for your desired doneness. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to serve up a deliciously juicy and flavorful flank steak at your next barbecue.